Thomas Vanek made his presence known on Thursday night as he recorded a hat trick and two assists in Buffalo’s 7-4 win in Boston, helping Buffalo snap a four game losing streak.
It was Vanek’s second five point game this season, the other coming in Buffalo’s season-opening victory over Philadelphia. Prior to this year, he had never scored five points in one game, but already has two and now leads the league in points. Vanek now has 54 points (28G, 26A) in 46 career games against Boston.
“Pucks are going in right now for me,” Vanek said. “With Pommer I’ve always had good chemistry and Cody fits right in.”
Coming into tonight’s game, the Bruins had not lost in regulation, but had also not allowed a third period goal. The Sabres scored four times int he final 20 minutes.
The Bruins went out to a 3-1 lead in the second period, but momentum began to shift when Boston took two penalties, giving the Sabres a 5-on-3 for two minutes. Buffalo managed to tie the game up by the end of the second period.
After David Krecji gave the Bruins a 4-3 lead just minutes into the third period, the Sabres scored four unanswered goals to seal the victory and earn a much needed two points.
Ryan Miller made some highlight reel saves, stopping 38 of 48 shots, and earning his first win since last Monday. Tuukka Rask allowed six goals on 31 shots.
Cody Hodgson scored his 4th goal of the season, which turned out to be the game-winner. Tyler Ennis, Jason Pominville and Alexander Sulzer got the other Sabres goals.
Mikhail Grigorenko earned his first NHL assists on Sulzer’s first of the season.
For Boston, Brad Marchand recorded two goals, putting his total up to five on the year. Rich Peverly had the other Boston goal on the night.
Buffalo had 24 blocked shots on the night to Boston’s eight.
John Scott dropped the gloves with Shawn Thornton in the first period, but Thornton did not return to the game afterward.
The victory was Buffalo’s first in Boston since March 10, 2011. The Sabres will play the Bruins four more times this season.
The Sabres next game will be on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Montreal.