Buffalo entered the game looking to begin the 2014 calendar year with a win. Unfortunately, the Sabres were unable to achieve this goal as they were defeated by the Minnesota Wild 4 to 1.
Buffalo had two opportunities on the power play in the first period however were unable to generate many scoring chances.
Their best chance came in their second power play with Matt Moulson camped in front of the net. Ehrhoff shot a puck on the ice just wide of the net, Moulson tipped the net toward the net, and past Backstrom, however found the post.
After one period of play, the Sabres were being out shot 8 to 7.
The second period was a field day for the Wild offence as they buried three goals on Ryan Miller. Scandella broke the scoreless tie on a give and go play with Matt Cooke, while Pominville and Zucker added the other tallies.
Buffalo added only 5 shots in the second for a game total of 12. Minnesota on the other hand fired 15 shots in the second for a game total of 23.
The Sabres would find the back of the net with just under two minutes remaining as Matt Ellis would bang home a rebound on a delayed penalty. Tyler Ennis and Mike Weber would be credited with the assists on the play.
Minnesota would add an insurance goal on a technicality as Ehrhoff hauled down Brodziak who was on a breakaway toward the empty net.
Recently named Olympian Ryan Miller would finish the night with 28 saves on 31 shots faced.
The story of the night once again would be the Sabres inability to cash in on the power play, who had 4 opportunities.
The Sabres will be back in action on Saturday night as they host the New Jersey Devils at First Niagara Center. Puck will drop at 7 p.m.