Off the heels of their first victory in weeks, the Sabres took their game to Chicago looking for a second straight win. But for the second straight game, Jack Eichel was Buffalo’s lone goal scorer, except this time he didn’t score four goals. He only scored one. The Blackhawks cruised to an easy 4-1 win over Buffalo on Sunday night.
Eichel’s goal came unassisted halfway through the third period, but the Sabres were still down by three goals at that point.
Jack Eichel capitalizes off a turnover. 4-1. #sabres50 #blackhawks pic.twitter.com/IwMb8LU2N3
— Buffalo Hockey moments (@SabresPlays) November 18, 2019
The biggest problem for Buffalo in this game was Chicago’s Kirby Dach, who scored the first two goals of the game and had caught Buffalo out of position on several occasions. The Blackhawks also had numerous breakaways and odd-man rushes. Carter Hutton made some big stops, but it wouldn’t even matter as the Sabres couldn’t generate many chances or sustain pressure in the offensive zone.
Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews were the other goal scorers on the night.
The Sabres haven’t won a game in Chicago since January 10th, 2007 as they fall to 0-6-3 in those situations. The Blackhawks have won 15 of the last 16 meetings overall and have continued to shut down Buffalo. The Sabres will host Chicago later this season on March 21st.
Tage Thompson was called up for his first NHL game this season, but he left with what looked to be a serious injury to his arm or hand.
Doesn't look great for Tage Thompson. He skated to the bench with his arm just kind of hanging.#sabres #sabres50 pic.twitter.com/xMmqgE8FX7
— Melissa Burgess (@_MelissaBurgess) November 18, 2019
With Marcus Johansson, Johan Larsson, and Kyle Okposo already missing time, the injury bug is biting Buffalo hard.
The Sabres will have a busier schedule over the next few weeks as the pace will pick up. Their next game is Tuesday at 7 p.m. as they host the Minnesota Wild.