Buffalo 4, Philadelphia 2
If these two teams were to meet in the playoffs, what a series that would be.
This was arguably the most entertaining game of the season for the Buffalo Sabres. Maybe that is exactly what they need to get back to winning ways.
After an 8-1-1 start, Buffalo has lost four in a row prior to Friday’s game.
The Sabres came into Philly and beat the Flyers at their own game…for the second time this season.
Buffalo Sabres play by play announcer Rick Jeanneret described the team’s win as “their grittiest performance of the year”.
In the 1st period, Patrick Kaleta was ejected from the game for a boarding call. Kaleta buried Jared Ross into the boards, starting the first of many scrums.
Drew Stafford put Buffalo up 1-0 midway through the first. The puck deflected off of a Flyers’ stick, giving the Sabres the lead.
The Flyers were the ones who came out on top after one. Mike Richards and Braydon Coburn combined to score two goals in the final minute of the first period.
18 seconds into the 2nd, Daniel Carcillo and Craig Rivet dropped the gloves. Nine minutes later, they would meet again, right off of the faceoff.
While in the box, Carcillo was unable to keep his mouth shut. He was sent to the locker room to serve his ten minute misconduct penalty.
Paul Gaustad deflected a shot on the powerplay to tie the game at two.
In the third, Tim Connolly was the only one to score. He netted two goals, propelling the Sabres to a 4-2 win. Connolly finished with 4 points, contributing on each Sabres goal.
Philadelphia pulled Ray Emery with three minutes remaining, but neither team was able to score.
Ryan Miller finished with 31 saves, showing another strong performance. He took away what looked like a sure goal from Jeff Carter in the second.
Although the Sabres did get the victory, they lost a couple of key players. Captain Craig Rivet crashed into the boards, injuring his leg. Paul Gaustad also left the game with a leg injury. Both players are expected to miss time.
Except for the final minute in the first, Buffalo had control of the game.
The Sabres will head home to host Carolina on Saturday night.