Shots: CAR 30 | BUF 21
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
- Tuch (McLeod, Doan) (PP)
- Quinn (McLeod, Zucker)
- Malenstyn (Kozak, Krebs)
- Thompson (Benson) (EN)
Carolina Hurricanes Goals:
- Gostisbehere (Unassisted) (PP)
Plus 1: Out of the Cellar
The Sabres have seemingly turned a corner as they get healthier. They turned in a great performance against the Eastern Conference leading Hurricanes and secured the victory. This win is their 4th in their last five games. This stretch has gotten them out of last place in the East. That dishonor is now bestowed upon the Toronto who is one of only two teams in the East with a losing record. If they can continue this level of play, Buffalo has an opportunity to give their fans the gift of seeing the team sit in a playoff spot just in time for the holidays. They are only 3 points behind the Flyers and 4 points back of Boston in the wild card race. Despite their struggles, Buffalo remains in the mix.
Minus 1: What is Goaltender Interference?
The NHL’s version of the NFL’s “what is a catch” debate has reared its ugly head. Buffalo has been on the short end of the stick a few times in recent games. In this one, a goal by Bryson was waived off due to contact from Zach Benson. Later in the game, UPL was run over by Aho, who the refs determined was steered into him by Malenstyn, resulting in a goal against. Lindy Ruff challenged the play but was unsuccessful. He mentioned his disagreement during his post-game press conference. The introduction of the coach’s challenge and expanded use of replay has not helped resolve controversial goaltender interference calls. It’s ultimately a judgement call by the refs. Unless something is obviously missed, slowing down a play and re-watching it from multiple angles is not going to change a ref’s judgement. It didn’t cost Buffalo in this game, but when the standings are this tight, the last thing the NHL needs is a playoff spot to be determined by a controversial goaltender interference call.
Plus 2: Malen-Goal
The clear highlight of the game was Malenstyn’s electric goal. He turned a one-on-one against one of the best defensive centers in the league into a breakaway tally. Kozak took a hit in the neutral zone to spring Malenstyn, but Aho was in position to cover the pinching defenseman. Malenstyn walked Aho who took a bad angle on the puck and stuffed it through Anderson’s five-hole. This was his 2nd goal and 3rd point in his last 4 games. Unexpected contributions like this are key to a team’s success, and nothing fires up the boys quite like seeing a 4th line grinder show off some impressive skill for a goal.
Final Thoughts
This was a huge win for Buffalo against one of the best teams in the league. UPL turned in a great performance with the only goal against being one he had no chance at due to being run into by Aho. They may not have generated a ton of shots, but the Sabres were able to capitalize when it mattered. Tage Thompson’s empty netter gives him goals in 6 straight games. This is the longest streak by a Sabre since Pominville in the 2006-2007 season. If Buffalo can keep this up, they will continue to rise in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff picture.