Final: Sabres 4, Canucks 3

[tab: Recap]

Roberto Luongo did not receive the start in net tonight.

Tyler Ennis recorded his fifth goal of the season halfway through the first period. Toward the end of the period Cody McCormick scored his third of the year, putting the Sabres up 2-0.

The best road power play unit capitalized again in the second period, with a goal from Henrik Sedin, who blasted a shot past Ryan Miller. About five minutes later, Steve Montador scored his third of the season, putting the Sabres back up by two.

Vancouver cut the lead in half again, with another power play goal early in the third. Alexander Edler took a low shot from the point that beat Miller glove side, making it 3-2 Buffalo.

Mikael Samuelsson was left all alone in front of the net, and scored on a one time shot, tying the game at three with 10 minutes remaining in the third.

In overtime, Tyler Myers stole the puck and ripped a shot into the net, giving Buffalo the 4-3 victory.

“These last 10 days I feel like I’ve been playing a lot better,” Thomas Vanek said. “I’m a lot more confident with the puck.”

[tab: Preview]

The Sabres have won three out of their last four games, but the Canucks have won eight of their last 10. Vancouver defeated Buffalo 3-2 in the only meeting last season.

This is the first and last meeting between the teams this year, barring any matchup in the Finals. Both teams are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Ryan Miller brings in a 2-2 career record against the Canucks.

Buffalo’s power play has been pitiful lately, scoring just twice in 32 attempts over the past eight games. Derek Roy extended his point streak to four games during Saturday’s victory over Washington.

4 COMMENTS

Kevin Freiheit
Kevin Freiheit
I founded Buffalo Hockey Central in 2008 and have poured hours and hours into this site. Luckily, we have a great team of writers and designers who have helped keep this up and running despite a ton of out-of-pocket costs. We do this because we enjoy it, and we're desperate to see the Sabres win the Cup someday, but they have to make the playoffs first.
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