Score: Rangers 3 | Sabres 2
Shots: BUF 31 | NYR 28
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Owen Power (4), Tage Thompson (16)
New York Rangers Goals: Mika Zibanejad (6), Reilly Smith (6), Adam Fox (1-EN)
Minus-1: Rangers Strike First
Adding insult to injury as the Sabres entered tonight’s matchup with a seven-game losing streak, New York was able to get on the scoreboard first. After the Sabres failed to even produce a shot on net on their first power play (or until 13:20 in the opening period, but I digress), the Rangers were able to do just that. Only eight seconds from their first power play faceoff, Mika Zibanejad found the back of the net to give the visiting team a 1-0 lead, marking his 300th career goal. He is now in fifth place for the most power play goals in New York franchise history.
Plus-1: Luuukkkk
Much credit can be given to Sabres goaltender tonight for keeping it a close game. There were several opportunities for the Rangers to widen the scoring gap, especially during the second period, but Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen was solid between the pipes to keep it a one goal game and give his team a fighting chance to catch up. Most memorably, Luukkonen robbed Chris Kreider following a giveaway by Owen Power behind Buffalo’s net.
Final Thoughts
This game exemplified the saying “too little too late.” While there were a few highlights (see the fight below that Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins had a front row seat for), the Rangers ultimately took home the two points after the Sabres’ offense failed to wake up for most of the game. With just under five minutes remaining, the duo of Bowen Byram and Power helped the Sabres score their first goal in almost 60 minutes. The puck dinged off the post and into the net, giving the home team a small glimmer of hope late in regulation. Following an empty net goal scored by New York, Tage Thompson scored Buffalo’s second and final goal with just 37.7 seconds left. It was not enough, though, as the scoreboard remained 3-2 in favor of the Rangers when the final buzzer echoed at KeyBank Center.
If you are still watching this team, their next game is Saturday against the Capitals in Washington at 7:00 PM.
Three Stars:
1. Adam Fox (1G, 2A)
2. Igor Shesterkin (2GA, .935 SV%)
3. Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen (2 GA, .926 SV%)