Folks do not panic, your time machine did not work.
However, the Sabres did bring back the Goathead jerseys, their old goal horn and even had Sabretooth retracting from the ceiling. Hell, even Bruce Springsteen is on the Billboard Hot 100.
This game went exactly how it should have gone. From the on-ice product to the 90s feel cultivated by the organization.
Fast start Sabres
Well, the Sabres somehow scored quicker than in their previous game against Montreal. Jeff Skinner opened the scoring just 18 seconds into the affair. There was no better way for this game to begin for this team. They needed a hot start for themselves, and for the packed KeyBank Center.
The rest of the period revolved around both teams finding their groove, especially Buffalo netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. He was able to control the game after the bloodbath 5-2 loss against Toronto that was not his fault. Luukkonen made some key saves during the game to keep the Sabres’ lead comfortable.
He dominated the third period when St. Louis began applying serious pressure. Yes, the Sabres scored six goals, but Luukkonen is one of the biggest reasons this team left with two points tonight. His prowess in the final frame allowed his team to put the game away with some late goals.
Luukkonen finished tonight with 34 saves on 36 shots. He secured his first NHL victory of the season and Buffalo’s ninth.
Fan’s take over Keybank Center
I was unable to be at the game tonight, but I felt like I was in attendance just by watching it on TV. They were loud and made a serious impact on the game. Their rendition of “What’s up” by the 4 non-blondes puts the Avalanches “All the small things” to shame.
Most fans seemed to be donning Goathead apparel and could be heard on every scoring chance. Not to mention a loud “Louuuuu” after each Luukkonen save.
Lake Erie must have been breezy tonight, because the “wave” was a frequent activity during the game.
This game felt like a playoff game, not a November matchup against a Central Division opponent.
This fanbase cares about this team, and Jack Eichel has nothing to do with how much western New York supports their hockey team.
Goal Scorers
Skinner netted two goals tonight increasing his season total to nine goals.
Jeff Skinner’s second goal of the night was absolutely absurd as he danced Blue’s defenders and beat Jordan Binnington on the backhand. Skinner is red-hot and is on pace for 40 goals.
Dylan Cozens scored his fifth of the year which puts him at pace to be a 20-goal scorer this year.
Victor Olofsson scored from his spot on the powerplay for his 10th of the year off a great feed from Owen Power.
Jack Quinn finally got one to go in which iced the game halfway through the third period. That wasn’t enough for him as he got his second of the night with one minute left.
Jack Quinn
Folks, he has arrived. Quinn was the Sabres’ most impactful player tonight and was finally rewarded with two goals. This will not be an anomaly for him, and he will be a consistent goal-scorer for this squad the rest of the year.
Both his goals tonight came off the rush when he trusted his shot.
This team needs secondary scoring, and Jack Quinn will be that. J.J. Peterka alongside Quinn has been a great combination this year, and for years to come.
The floodgates are open now for Quinn, and this team is ready to go on a run.
What’s next
The Sabres won tonight by a score of 6-2. A much-needed win with a chance to beat a red-hot New Jersey Devils team on Friday.
Yes, this team just lost eight straight, but they were very unhealthy and have key defensemen back. Having Mattias Samuelsson and Henri Jokiharju back has really changed this team.
Things seem to be different at 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza. Gone are the knockoff jerseys for alumni, and the organization seems to care about the details. Thank you Duane
How did you think this game went from an on-ice perspective and an overfall fan experience?