Friday night’s game was merely a battle of goaltenders.
After a scoreless first period, the first goal of the game was netted at 7:10 by Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor, with assists from Bryan Little and Patrik Laine.
The Jets seemed to dominate the first period, being more physical and outshooting the Sabres, 12-4. Buffalo would soon make up for it, 28-14 over the remaining two periods, and overtime.
It was well known that the Sabres needed to score going into the third period to stay alive in this game. 53 seconds in, Jeff Skinner scored on the leftover power play from the second period. His goal was assisted by Jack Eichel and Rasmus Dahlin.
The Sabres brought momentum and speed into overtime, something they had lacked throughout the first two periods.
After seven shootout rounds, Conor Sheary’s top-shelf goal earned the extra point and brought Buffalo to victory for the fourth straight game.
The shootout lineup for the Sabres was a little odd, missing Jeff Skinner, who tied the game up for Buffalo and earned his 400th career point. When asked why Skinner wasn’t in the lineup Coach Phil Housley said he wanted to give different guys an opportunity.
Carter Hutton continued to act as a brick wall for Buffalo, stopping 25 shots and holding on for the lengthy shootout. Winnipeg’s Laurent Brossoit made 31 saves his first time in net since October 26th.
Buffalo now heads to Minnesota to face the Wild Saturday night at 6 p.m.