If you were frustrated with the results of Buffalo’s first two games, that is completely understandable. And with the Bills success in their playoff run, it’s too easy to put the Sabres on the backburner and pay less attention.
But whatever happened between their 2nd loss to Washington the other night to tonight, this looked like a rejuvenated team. Taylor Hall and Jack Eichel had three points apiece in what was a full 60-minute effort against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night at Wells Fargo Center.
Krueger on Hall playing with Eichel and Reinart: says Hall has has been outstanding, compliments they way the three of them use the whole ice surface to pass and create. #Sabres
— Brian Koziol (@BrianWGR) January 19, 2021
It resulted in a 6-1 victory. This was an all-around legitimate win for the Sabres who dictated nearly everything all night long on national tv. They showed up to play with a fast-tempo and shut the Flyers down from puck drop to the final horn, and that’s not something we have seen very often (or at all) in recent seasons.
Eichel and Hall are clearly a Dynamic Duo that will give East Division defensemen nightmares all year…
12 points between the two (6 points each) after just 3 games. #Sabres
— Buffalo Sabres Stats (@SabresStats) January 19, 2021
Per. Time EV Goal Assist Assist 1 15:52 
Curtis Lazar (1)--- --- 2 3:35 PPG Sam Reinhart (1)Taylor Hall (3) Jack Eichel (4) 2 6:28 Sam Reinhart (2)Jack Eichel (5) Taylor Hall (4) 2 8:09 Curtis Lazar (2)Riley Sheahan (1) Brandon Montour (1) 3 10:47 Henri Jokiharju (1)Eric Staal (1) --- 3 17:55 
Nicolas Aube-Kubel (1)Michael Raffl (1) Travis Sanheim (1) 3 18:49 PPG Victor Olofsson (2)Taylor Hall (5) Jack Eichel (6)
Sam Reinhart nearly had his fourth career hat trick as the team tried to help him get there in the third period, but he’ll take a pair of goals within a few minutes.
Reinhart with his 2nd of the night, 3-0 . good work from Hall #LetsGoBuffalo #AnytimeAnywhere pic.twitter.com/IwYD3kcRpt
— Buffalo Hockey moments (@SabresPlays) January 19, 2021
Curtis Lazar has been a solid addition for the team since last season and he cashed in with two goals of his own.
Curtiz Lazar backhand goes over carter hart 1-0 #LetsGoBuffalo #AnytimeAnywhere pic.twitter.com/pwp00LdLBq
— Buffalo Hockey moments (@SabresPlays) January 19, 2021
The Sabres played a relatively solid game in the second game against Washington but just ended up on the wrong end. They clearly built off that performance over the last few days and that was very evident.
Ralph Krueger said tonight was one of the best neutral-zone games since he's been in Buffalo.
"We're just really pleased to get a confirmation of the process." #LetsGoBuffalo
— Jourdon LaBarber (@JourdonLaBarber) January 19, 2021
Eric Staal scored his first point as a Sabre with an assist as did Riley Sheahan.
Rasmus Dahlin needed some attention very late in the game after Aube-Kubel punched him in the face after entering the zone. It resulted in a 4-minute penalty, which Victor Olofsson scored on, but it does sound like the Sabres want that hit examined further by the NHL.
"The hit on Dahlin is a forearm to the head that I'm sure the league is taking a deep look at right now. That's the not the kind of physicality we need to see, especially with the score the way it was. … Let's trust the league to make the right decision." – Ralph Krueger https://t.co/vdIigXUBX3
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) January 19, 2021
Carter Hutton only faced 22 shots on the night, but his 1-goal outing was a nice recovery after he allowed five goals in the season opener.
It looked like Linus Ullmark was set to get the start tonight, but he was ruled out after a personal matter came up, and the Sabres won’t go into that right now. Jonas Johansson served as the backup.
It’s not yet known who will get the nod in Tuesday’s game, but I think the bigger questions are how the Flyers respond and if Buffalo can show this level of competing again.