The Buffalo Sabres exited Joe Louis for the last time this evening, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 2-1. Robin Lehner was outstanding in net saving 28 of 29 shots faced. The Sabres power-play unit remained entrenched as the second place unit in the league, scoring on both of their two opportunities in the contest. The Red Wings certainly threatened the Sabres lead in the waning moments of the third period, but the defense prevailed, preserving the one goal lead.
Jack Eichel entered spring the same way he closed out winter, scoring the first goal of the contest at 10:59 in the first period. Shortly after taking a questionable high-sticking call (just his 13th minor penalty of the season), Eichel capitalized on the Sabres’ first power-play opportunity, firing a sharp wrist shot from the point. Sam Reinhart set up an excellent screen in front of Detroit netminder Petr Mrazek. Rasmus Ristolainen registered his 39th assist on the goal, his 24th on the power-play (first place in the NHL). The Sabres simply dominated the period, out-shooting the Red Wings 13-5.
Matt Moulson registered his 14th goal of the season nine minutes into the third period to give the Sabres a 2-0 lead. The goal marked Moulson’s 17th point on the power-play this season. Tyler Ennis forced a puck through traffic, allowing Moulson to deflect the puck past Mrazek. Five minutes later, Tomas Tatar pushed his squad back into the contest, beating Robin Lehner with a tip in courtesy of a pinpoint pass from veteran defenseman Mike Green. Henrik Zetterberg notched his 45th assist of the season on the play (tied for fifth in the NHL).
Like so many games this season, the Sabres took their collective foot off the gas in the third period. Fortunately for the blue and gold, Detroit’s forwards were unable to establish consistent pressure in the Sabres’ end. Lehner fought off an onslaught of shots when the Red Wings pulled Mrazek from the net with a little over a minute remaining in regulation. Evander Kane nearly scored from his own end, just missing the open net as time ticked away in regulation.
Lehner’s performance was an excellent follow up from backup Anders Nilsson’s performance against Anaheim this past weekend. Though he has struggled at times this season, Lehner has shown flashes of brilliance at times. If he can become more consistent, the price Time Murray paid for him will appear far less dubious.
While this was not a complete domination of an inferior opponent, the Sabres need more play like this down the stretch to build momentum for next year. One of the most telling storylines in this contest was the strong play by the Sabres injury depleted defensive core. Aside from a minor gaffe in his own end, Brady Austin acquitted himself well in his first NHL action. The Sabres’ brass would be wise to move on from struggling veterans Cody Franson and Dmitry Kulikov next season.
The Sabres will head home tonight and prepare to face the red-hot Pittsburgh Penguins tomorrow at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.