After a 1-0 loss to Carolina last week, the Sabres earned a pair of much needed victories against Atlanta and Nashville this weekend. A three-goal second period would be the only scoring for Buffalo, but it wasn’t enough.
Despite falling behind 3-1, Nashville put together a late comeback and scored three unanswered goals to win the game, 4-3.
The Sabres came out with a number of offensive chances, but they were unable to capitalize. Blake Geoffrion’s fourth goal of the season put the Predators on top 1-0 less than seven minutes into the opening period.
The Sabres got on the board with a goal from Nathan Gerbe. Just 42 seconds later, Tim Connolly beat Anders Lindback with a shot that went into the top corner.
Nashville got caught in a line change and the Sabres took advantage. Miller earned an assist as Ennis scored his second goal of the night, giving the Sabres a 3-1 lead.
The Predators didn’t quit as they cut the lead to one with two and a half minutes remaining in the third period. Nashville continued the pressure and tied the game as Lindback was headed to the bench. Geoffrion scored all three of Nashville’s goals.
Martin Erat finished off the Predators’ comeback with a goal early in overtime. More than anything, it looked like the Sabres were shocked after the third Nashville goal.
Buffalo failed to hold onto a two goal lead with late in the third period. HSBC Arena grew intensely silent after the Nashville comeback and Miller stormed off the ice after allowing the game winning goal.
Despite the loss, Buffalo moved three points ahead of Carolina.
This game was just as important to Nashville as it was to Buffalo. Both teams came into the game in eighth place in their respective conferences. The Predators’ win on Saturday propelled them to a one point lead over Anaheim.
The Sabres next game is on Tuesday when they will head to Montreal to take on the Canadiens.