Tavares records natural hat trick in victory over Sabres
That about sums up the Sabres season, doesn’t it? Buffalo failed to beat the 29th ranked team in the league, and made them look like an offensive power house. The Sabres looked like a sloppy, un-mature team on the ice as they fell to New York, 5-3.
After watching the first period, things were looking positive for the Sabres, despite a few usual giveaways by Steve Montador. The Islanders missed out on a golden opportunity in the opening period, failing to convert on a 2-on-0 break. John Tavares tried to beat Ryan Miller glove side, but was denied.
Tyler Ennis set up Thomas Vanek for Buffalo’s first goal of the game. Vanek’s 17th goal of the season was scored on a 5-on-3 power play, giving the Sabres a 1-0 lead.
Once the second period came, the Islanders took complete control. Tavares got his revenge on Miller by beating him with a shot that went in the top left corner. Tavares was left alone in front of the net and didn’t miss from there. Minutes later, Tavares struck again with a power play goal to give his team the lead.
A short time later, Tavares completed the natural hat trick, scoring his 18th goal of the season. His goal increased the Islanders’ lead to 3-1. Blake Comeau got in on the action with a goal of his own. The Islanders combined for four goals in just over seven and a half minutes.
The Islanders added insult to injury in the third period. With Buffalo trying to cut the lead to one on the power play, it was the Islanders who scored. New York’s goal was the ninth shorthanded goal that Buffalo has allowed this season, a league high.
The Sabres were unable to come back and gave away a huge two points. Buffalo came into this game with three games in hand over eighth placed Atlanta, who played Dallas. If the Sabres would have won, they would have a chance to be six points out of the final playoff spot.
The Sabres will have a chance for revenge next Friday when they host these same Islanders.
What are you thoughts on the team after a 5-3 loss to the Islanders?