After a 3-0-2 record in their last five games, the Sabres point streak was snapped by the Devils as they defeat Buffalo by a score of 6-3. The win by New Jersey brought the season series to 4-3-1 for each team respectively.
It didn’t take very long before the Sabres got on the board as Victor Olofsson scored his 11th of the season just 53 seconds into the game. This came off a beautiful pass from Henri Jokiharju and Olofsson made it count.
🚨 Olofsson
🍏 Jokiharju
🍏 Okposo#LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/t8CLooUym7— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 8, 2021
Unfortunately for Buffalo, the Devils answered the bell as Pavel Zacha scored his 9th and 10th goals of the season, both on the power play within 2 minutes of each other. This would put New Jersey up 2-1 early in the first period.
Things got worse for the Sabres as youngster, Jack Hughes was able to find the back of the net for his 8th goal of the season with just under 4 minutes remaining in the opening frame.
The 2nd period was much better for the Sabres as they were able to tie the game up. Tage Thompson continued his production as of late with a power play goal and what would be his 3rd of the season.
Tommer gets the finish 👌#LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/RezHlWYqae
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 9, 2021
Another highlight of the night included the game-tying goal from Jeff Skinner. Rasmus Dahlin tallied a perfect secondary assist for his 100th career NHL point and he stretches his point streak to 3 games with a goal and 3 assists for 4 points.
Gettin' it done 👊#LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/OhcpdQ5LBU
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 9, 2021
The 3rd period was not friendly to Buffalo as they were outshot 11-2 and worse, outscored 3-0. Tage Thompson was able to sum it up pretty well in his postgame interview.
Thompson: "It was a weird game, a little inconsistent at times, a good thing about the schedule, we get right back at it tomorrow…" #Sabres
— Brian Koziol (@BrianWGR) April 9, 2021
Veteran winger, Kyle Okposo spoke on the breakdown from the Sabres after going into the 3rd period tied 3-3, and allowing 3 unanswered goals against.
Okposo: "I don't think we were very good tonight…
I think it was the first game in the last six that we got away from our identity…I got to be better, I think everybody knows that wasn't out best" #Sabres— Brian Koziol (@BrianWGR) April 9, 2021
The Sabres will be tasked with a tough game against the high-flying, Washington Capitals. They are currently tied for the division lead with the New York Islanders at 54 points. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm EST at Key Bank Arena.