In recent weeks Buffalo has had struggles throughout. Injuries, losses, trade rumors for every player imaginable. Everything that could possibly shake this team hockey wise, happened. Coming into Friday night, Buffalo was playing their final home game in January and was also on a three game losing streak.
The streak was snapped and Buffalo got a crucial two points at home, before heading out on a tough 7 game road trip.
Buffalo raced out of the gate with two quick goals from Matt Ellis and Paul Gaustad in a span of 2:48. 10 minutes later, Toronto answered back with two goals of their own from Mikhail Grabovski and Joey Crabb. The Leafs had the momentum going into the first intermission, but Miller was solid throughout including helping Buffalo kill of 3 penalties in 2nd period.
Jason Pominville tallied his 15th goal of the season when he beat Gustavsson after settling a cross crease pass from Thomas Vanek; which proved to be the game winner.
Toronto controlled the puck in Buffalo’s zone in the last minute of the third period, eventually pulling Gustavsson for the extra attacker; but Buffalo did not break, stopping a slew of shots, attempted shots and advances to net to get the victory.
Toronto, who was 0-4 on the powerplay only managed 26 shots on net, while Buffalo garnered 25 shots but was on the man advantage only twice.
NOTES
– Mike Weber was the only Sabre who wasn’t a positive/even tonight. He was a -2.
– Patrick Kaleta had 2 assists tonight; they were his first two assists of the season. He currently has 4 points on the year.
– Leopold led all Sabres in ice time with 28:16, Myers was 2nd with 26:03.