The Bruins came into Buffalo on Wednesday night looking to dispose of the Sabres, and they did just that. The Bruins left with a 5-2 victory, giving the Sabres their 9th loss of the season.
Ryan Miller made big saves throughout the night, but it wasn’t enough, which has been the storyline for the season. He managed to keep the game close through 40 minutes, but it was all Boston from there on out.
If there was one bright spot from a Buffalo standpoint, it was from a rookie. Playing in his second game, Nikita Zadorov scored his first NHL goal, a backhanded shot that beat Bruins backup goaltender Chad Johnson. With the goal, Zadorov becomes the 2nd youngest player to score in Sabres history. Only Pierre Turgeon was younger when he scored his first.
For Boston, Torey Krug and Milan Lucic each scored a pair of goals on the night. It looked as if Jarome Iginla finally scored his first goal as a Bruin, but his shot deflected off of Lucic’s stick and past Ryan Miller. Dougie Hamiton scored the other Boston goal.
Cody Hodgson put Buffalo on the board after a Thomas Vanek pass deflected off of his skate. Buffalo trailed by a goal after two periods of play and looked to have a chance, but the Bruins took control in the final period.
Miller made 20 of 34 saves on the night. At the other end, backup goaltender Chad Johnson received his first start of the season, giving Tuukka Rask a night off. Johnson stopped 14 of 16. The Sabres were outshot 34 to 16 on the night, including 11-2 in the third period.
John Scott unloaded with a big hit on Loui Eriksson in the third period, but it was directed at the head. Scott dropped the gloves with Adam McQuaid and received a match penalty for his hit on Eriksson. The league may have a look at the hit and Scott could be in for a suspension.
The Sabres will head to the Florida this weekend, where they will take on the Panthers and Lightning. On Monday night, Lindy Ruff will make his return to Buffalo as the Dallas Stars come into town.