Written by a relieved Sabres fan with low standards
In a shocking turn of events, the Sabres upset the Flyers last night 4-2, ending their 18 game losing streak. This victory was a longtime coming for the miserable Sabres fan base and struggling players.
The team got off to a great start in the opening twenty minutes with six scoring opportunities compared to Philadelphia’s three. The Sabres controlled the puck the best they have all season making smart passes and keeping the play down in the Flyers zone. In the final moments of the period, Brandon Montour scored on a rebound from Curtis Lazar during the first power play of the game.
Photo credit: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
The second period has been especially difficult for Buffalo this year, and Philadelphia was able to put two away. Rasmus Dahlin was sent to the penalty box for a weak hooking call leading to Nolan Patrick’s fifth goal of the season. Shortly thereafter, the Sabres were able to respond with Dylan Cozens skating the puck through the neutral zone, toe-dragging past the defense, and shooting the puck past Carter Hart’s shoulder. However, mishandling of the puck caused an odd man rush against Colin Miller, and Oskar Lindblom’s slapshot made it past Ullmark. The teams were tied 2-2 heading into the third.
Buffalo came out flying for the final period. Jeff Skinner intercepted a pass in the neutral zone and slipped it past Hart to regain the lead. The Sabres decided to continue applying pressure, not letting up any more odd man rushes or shots from the slot. They did not allow the Flyers to edge their way back into the game when Samson Reinhart deflected Rasmus Ristolainen’s shot from the point. He continues to be arguably the best leader for the team this year with his thirteenth goal of the season. This was the team’s first victory with Don Granato as interim head coach.
Photo credit: Len Redkoles/Getty Images
