The past seven days have been an up and down week for the Sabres. It began when the team found out that Derek Roy would need surgery and would miss the remainder of the season. Not only was Roy the team’s top center, but he was also scoring a point per game.
Roy collected 10 goals and 25 assists throughout the first 35 games of the season. The Sabres were having offensive problems with Roy, so many fans were worried how the team would do without him.
Buffalo made it’s first of two trips to the west coast. Last Monday, the Sabres traveled to Calgary to take on the Flames, but were unable to have much success. Calgary defeated Buffalo 5-2 in a game where the Sabres collapsed and gave in.
The very next night, the Sabres rebounded with an impressive performance. Buffalo defeated Edmonton by a 4-2 score, helping goaltender Ryan Miller earn his 200th career victory. Mike Weber scored his first two NHL goals and Luke Adam collected one as well.
On Saturday, the Bruins and Sabres put on a huge offensive performance. Trailing 6-5 with a minute remaining, Drew Stafford recorded his third goal of the night with 28 seconds to go, sending the game to overtime.
Five out of six shooter scored in the shootout, including all three Sabres. Thomas Vanek, Tyler Ennis, and Drew Stafford all were successful in the shootout. Zdeno Chara was the only one who didn’t score in the shootout, and that was the difference in the game.
The loss for Boston marked the first time this season that they have lost after leading by two goals or more. Prior to Saturday’s game, the Bruins were 17-0 in those situations.
Overall, it was a solid week for the Sabres points wise. They earned four of a possible six, but have a tough road ahead.
The Sabres will make their final trip to the west coast this season with games against Colorado, San Jose and Phoenix this week.