For the first time in five games, someone not named Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was in net for the Sabres. Friday night’s game in Pittsburgh did not end exactly how Sabres’ fans wanted it to end but getting five out of six points on a road trip is something to celebrate.
By Carson G
The first period for Buffalo might have been one of their worst periods of the season. They ended the frame trailing in shots 21-5.
Pittsburgh opened up the scoring tonight while on the power play. Ralph Krueger’s forgotten boy, Evan Rodrigues, tallied his tenth goal of the season; this one against his former club.
While in his own zone, Jacob Bryson was hit directly from behind into the boards by Zach Aston-Reese. This was responded right after by Tage Thompson. A back and forth affair saw Thompson nail a few punches, but more importantly, it showed some leadership.
Somehow Buffalo ended that affair shorthanded, as Thompson was assessed an instigating penalty. This all led to the possible save of the year by Malcolm Subban.
This game as a whole felt more important to this Sabres team. The physicality was very prominent compared to most Sabres games I’ve seen played in December. This all cultivated to Casey Fitzgerald having his first NHL fight. After Hinostroza was blown up on the breakout, Fitzgerald immediately stepped up for his teammate. Throwing both lefts and rights, Fitzgerald showed some real heart. This left a smile on his dad’s face who was in the crowd for Fitzgerald’s first NHL game.
Unfortunately for Buffalo, Mcginn scored off a rebound to give the Penguins the two-goal lead.
While Subban stole a point for Buffalo, the two goals that were given up tonight in regulation both snuck through him. Ideally, you’d want these saved, but with the absolute robbery he committed through the game, it’s hard to look at these goals against him.
Things began to turn around for Buffalo towards the end of the second.
It started with the play of John Hayden, who played his best game as a Sabre tonight. The puck always found its way to his stick, and he had the best Sabres opportunity with a great wrap-around which was stopped barely on the goal line.
The Sabres finally get one past Jary, as Zemgus Girgensons buries a rebound off a point shot from Casey Fitzgerald. This left Fitzgerald a goal shy of the ole “Gordie Howe hat trick.” Not too shabby for your first NHL game.
Then the golden, Rasmus Dahlin scores his third goal of the road trip to tie the game up. Off a fantastic pass from Rasmus Asplund, Dahlin was able to snipe the top corner past Tristan Jarry of the Penguins.
Buffalo started the overtime frame with almost a full 4-3 powerplay. After several great chances, the Sabres were unable to end the game. However, after a center-ice faceoff, the penguins scored on a 2-on-1 where the backdoor pass was able to get through.
The Sabres sneak out of Pittsburgh with one point, in a game they did not deserve one on. Malcolm Subban was lights-out for Buffalo and was a huge reason they are coming home from the road trip with five out of six points.
This road trip as a whole was a massive success for Buffalo. UPL found the win column twice, and Rasmus Dahlin had his best three-game stretch in a very long time. Dahlin seemed to be playing with some moxie. This has led to him being physical in his own zone and shooting more in the offensive zone; something fans have been clamoring for since his first game.
The Sabres will be in action Monday night at home against the Blue Jackets.
2 Responses
Great article. It read like a friend recapping the game. Very refreshing!!