Sabres win, but lose Eichel to injury

After splitting their first two matches this season, the Sabres and Bruins faced off at TD Garden for their third meeting of the year. The Sabres managed to quiet the league’s hottest team with a 4-2 victory. 

While they played well and earned the victory, Buffalo’s attention turns to Jack Eichel, who left the game with an injury and did not return.

Although the Sabres have only 15 wins in 54 games, one of their best performances came in their last meeting in Boston back in October. Trailing 4-2 when the third period started, the Sabres forced OT and Ryan O’Reilly’s GWG gave Buffalo a 5-4 OT win.

Tonight, Buffalo earned their fifth consecutive road victory, dating back to their three-game trip to Western Canada.

Evander Kane, who has struggled to score lately, gave Buffalo the lead early in the second.

It was a positive sign for the Sabres going forward, with Scott Wilson adding to the effort later in the period.

Although Ryan Spooner scored the first Bruins goal and tried to shift the game’s balance, Benoit Pouliot came through with a minute remaining to help pad Buffalo’s lead.

Boston’s second goal, scored by David Backes, tightened the gap, but Rasmus Ristolainen’s empty-netter sealed the deal for Buffalo.

“It was a good game, the [Bruins] are obviously playing some great hockey the last month and a half. We got some key saves and goals and we were tough to play against, didn’t give them much and the results showed.” – Evander Kane

After Robin Lehner saved 27 of 30 shots in Thursday’s home win over the Islanders, Chad Johnson was given the nod between the pipes for tonight’s tilt, searching for his third win of the campaign. He responded to this decision with 25 saves on 27 shots faced, his second quality start in his last three outings.

Despite the slow start to the game, the Sabres’ three goals in the second, and their defensive response to the effort from Boston late in the game really stood out as weak points throughout the year. Winning against such a formidable opponent, they led in shots (28-27) and played a more aggressive game in hits (33-22) was part of their success tonight.

Earning four consecutive road victories, and two straight wins following a tough start to their recent homestand, the Sabres are searching for wins and trying to build momentum late in the season.

The Sabres will return home to take on the Colorado Avalanche at KeyBank Center on Sunday. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m.