Buffalo’s comeback effort falls just short as the Pittsburgh Penguins were able to outlast the Sabres by a score of 3-2. Pittsburgh took the lead in the first period and never looked back as they held the lead from that point on. They now lead the season series 5-0 over Buffalo. With just 3 games left in this series, Pittsburgh got the best of Buffalo this season.
The young guys keep it rolling as Casey Mittelstadt and Tage Thompson both netted a goal against Pittsburgh. Mittelstadt now has 7 goals and 2 assists for 9 points in his last 10 games while Thompson has collected 5 goals and 2 assists for 7 points in his last 11 games.
Tage Thompson’s goal came in the 2nd period to cut the then 2-0 Pittsburgh lead, to a one-goal 2-1 lead. This would be his 6th goal of the season. He was extremely noticeable tonight as his line of Rasmus Asplund, Casey Mittelstadt and himself keep building chemistry and dominate at the 5-on-5 game.
Right place, right time 👌#LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/O0VkqUbWQy
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 17, 2021
Mittelstadt’s goal came in the 3rd period to cut Pittsburgh’s lead from 3-1, to 3-2. With a power-play opportunity late in the final frame, Rasmus Ristolainen was able to find Mittelstadt wide-open in the slot and Casey made no mistake. This goal marks his 8th of the season.
Mitts with the finish 🔥#LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/WxfiivvEkZ
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 17, 2021
The power play has been a recent struggle for Buffalo this season but it’s something that is starting to come around and be a reliable source of offense. Red-hot Mittelstadt spoke on the recent progression of the man-advantage.
Mittelstadt says the PP is something they've been needing to work on, they wanted quicker puck movement, thought it was better today. (#Sabres were 1-1 on PP)
— Brian Koziol (@BrianWGR) April 17, 2021
Dustin Tokarski has officially found his game as he continues to play well for Buffalo. He was stellar against the Penguins and kept the Sabres in the game all night long as he made save-after-save for 38 saves on 41 shots against. In comparison, Tristan Jarry played well and got the win for Pittsburgh as he made 28 saves on 30 shots against.
Sabres Interim Head Coach, Don Granato had some things to say after the game about his team’s attitude and accountability moving forward.
Granato: "It's very important for the young players to take ownership, you're gonna need everyone to be successful, not just your start players, good teams around the league have depth…it's a key opportunity for them…it's going to be helpful in the future…" #Sabres
— Brian Koziol (@BrianWGR) April 17, 2021
With the loss tonight, Buffalo will officially miss the playoffs yet again as only 12 games remain on the season for the Sabres.
And today's loss makes it official: #Sabres are eliminated from playoff contention for the 10th straight year, tying the all-time NHL record. They have 12 games left (24 possible points) and are 25 behind Boston.
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) April 17, 2021
The Sabres will be right back at it tomorrow as they host the Penguins again for their 2nd home game of the 5-game stretch. They still look for their first win over Pittsburgh on the year. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 pm EST at Key Bank Arena.