Sabres fail to keep lead in Columbus as just four games remain
Score: Sabres 2 | Blue Jackets 3
Shots: BUF 41 | CBJ 30
Sabres Goals: JJ Peterka (25), Rasmus Dahlin (16)
Blue Jackets Goals: James van Riemsdyk (15), Zach Aston-Reese (6), Boone Jenner (7-PP)
Plus-1: An Early Cushion
Though it took over half of the opening period to see some scoring action, Buffalo earned their spot on the scoreboard first. A shot off the draw made its way to the Blue Jackets’ zone with Rasmus Dahlin eventually getting possession. Following some quick passes and thanks to a back pass by Ryan McLeod, winger JJ Peterka let the puck rip from goaltender Jet Greaves’ right side to the back of the net to give the visitors their first lead of the game. Soon after the first goal, Dahlin added a cushion to the score with his own fancy footwork and wrist shot past Greaves, his 16th of the season.
Incidentally and speaking of defensemen doing their part offensively, the Sabres are the only team in the NHL with three defensemen tallying 30 or more assists this season – Rasmus Dahlin (48, including one tonight), Owen Power (33), and Bowen Byram (31), respectively.
Though the Blue Jackets would eventually score in the first period (with only eight seconds remaining), Buffalo was able to hold the lead into the first intermission and second intermissions.
Minus-1: A New and Final Lead
Though the second period yielded zero goals for both teams, Columbus came out for a bit of revenge in the third period. Zach Aston-Reese shot the puck from the blue line, in between the legs of Buffalo defender Jacob Bernard-Docker, and over the glove side of James Reimer to tie up the game. Then, just minutes later, a slashing penalty by Sam Lafferty gave the home team the man-advantage and, you guessed it, they snagged their first lead of the game. Following some really great saves by Reimer, the Blue Jackets were relentless in the Sabres’ zone, scoring their third and final goal of the game on a bouncing puck after a few whacks.
Final Thoughts
What can be said at this point? The Sabres started out strong and keeping the lead looked promising, but Columbus bounced back on home ice. Reimer had another solid night between the pipes, but had little to no help in front of the net. And, making matters worse (can they honestly get worse after 14 years?), Buffalo had 41 shots on goal during this game and still could not win. There is just so much to improve next season. Sigh.
Three Stars:
1. Jet Greaves (41SA, 2GA)
2. Boone Jenner (1G)
3. Rasmus Dahling (1G, 1A)