In a rare Saturday matinee contest, the Buffalo Sabres fell to the Calgary Flames.
After the Sabres opened up the scoring early in the second period, the Flames answered back less than four minutes later and eventually netted the game winner 42 seconds into the extra frame.
While the goal scoring was non- existent for the first two periods, the penalty box sure wasn’t. A total of eleven minor penalties were called, with each team unable to take advantage on the power play.
Both Karri Ramo and Jhonas Enroth were spectacular in today’s contest. Each netminder made several difficult saves to keep their respected clubs in the game.
Tyler Ennis continued his strong play this afternoon and helped create the Sabres only goal. With Zemgus Girgensons ready to backhand the puck to eventual goal scorer Matt Moulson, Ennis crashed the Calgary net drawing two of the opponents with him, clearing the way for Moulson to pick up his eleventh goal of the season.
The Ennis, Moulson, Girgensons line was dominant all afternoon and had several great scoring opportunities. The entire Buffalo defensive group also had a solid game, especially on the physical end.
One lapse, just passed the halfway point of the third, led to the Flames first goal. The play began behind the Sabres net, when Chris Butler passed the puck to Paul Byron in front of the net, and Byron was able to tap the puck past Jhonas Enroth. This was Byron’s first goal of the year and it tied the game at one.
The Calgary Flames picked up their second consecutive 2-1 overtime victory.
With the Sabres picking up one point this afternoon, they moved to within seven points of the 15th place New York Islanders in the Eastern Conference.
Next up for Buffalo is a match-up with the Winnipeg Jets, Tuesday evening at the First Niagara Center. Puck drops shortly after 7 PM, and the game will be broadcast on MSG.