The Buffalo Sabres put together one of their best performances of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 4-3 at KeyBank Center. In a rough and tumble affair that came down to an exciting third period, the Sabres showed resilience and toughness throughout. Despite a poorly played second frame, where the defense struggled, the team banded together and played their best period of the season in the third, scoring three unanswered goals to finish the contest.
After trailing by a pair of goals, the home crowd certainly voiced their displeasure as assorted jeers rained down on the home team. Late in the 2nd period, Dan Bylsma gathered his team at the bench and really let his squad have it, according to color analyst Rob Ray.
The message clearly resonated with the players as a rejuvenated and inspired unit took the ice to start the third. Five minutes into the period, Cody Franson threaded an outstanding transition pass to Marcus Foligno for a breakaway. Foligno was able to sneak the puck under Connor Hellebuyck’s skate and trickle it over the line, narrowing the Jets lead to 3-2.
A mere 26 seconds later, Zemgus Girgensons continued his strong performance as of late, burying a pass from Matt Moulson for his fifth of the season, tying the game with just over 14 minutes remaining in regulation.
Just after tying the game, the excitement in the building skyrocketed as defenseman Jake McCabe laid a booming hit on rookie sensation Patrick Laine in open ice. A scuffle ensued, bringing the crowd out of their seats, which carried the Sabres’ momentum to the finish line. Laine did not return to the contest.
“It was huge in many ways” said teammate Marcus Foligno of the hit. “A lot of people don’t really know it about him. He’s a strong hitter in open ice.”
At 9:54, Brian Gionta would score the game-winning goal for his eighth of the year.
Despite a rather shaky performance from goaltender Robin Lehner (32 saves on 35 shots), the Sabres offense simply dominated in the closing frame. The team has put together several up and down performances this season, however they can never be counted out of a game and today was no exception.
“It has the feel of a turnaround game” said Bylsma. “It’s a big way to respond in the third period.”
Former Sabres Joel Armia and Drew Stafford scored for the Jets while Nikolaj Ehlers opened the scoring less than five minutes into the game.
Buffalo will host the Philadelphia Flyers at Key bank center on Tuesday at 7pm.