It is what could have been the most important game of the season. After such an improbable run back into the playoff race, the Sabres faltered against Philadelphia on Thursday night.
Despite being up 1-0 after 40 minutes, Buffalo allowed a pair of goals in the third period. Combined with a Capitals win over Florida, the Sabres were eliminated. Matt Read’s goal turned out to be the game winner.
“I poke checked him earlier,” said Miller. “I really thought he was going to go high with that shot, and he just put it underneath. I don’t know if he was trying to do it or what, but if he was, it was a really nice shot. If not, good for him.” – NHL.com.
Today, the Sabres will close out their season with what is now a meaningless game, at least for Buffalo. For Boston, it’s a tune-up game before they head into the playoffs. Even if the Sabres did win on Thursday, it wouldn’t have secured them a playoff spot.
Even if Buffalo did clinch a spot today, they would have had to face the Rangers in the first round. The Sabres missed plenty of opportunities earlier in the season to earn points, including a 12 game road losing streak.
The Bruins have taken three of the first five meetings this season as they wait to see who they will be playing in the opening round. Buffalo will be without Christian Erhoff and Tyler Myers, who can know be ruled out for the regular season.
Today’s game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.