After six days off the Sabres went up against the Bruins for the first time this season and Jack Eichel returned to his hometown to take on the Boston Bruins for the first time in his career, and he didn’t disappoint.
Eichel’s career-best four-point night led the Sabres to a 6-3 victory at the TD Garden on Saturday night. Two of Eichel’s points came with an empty net.
“You know him, his emotions are always controlled, tonight he made some huge plays to get us the win.” – Ryan O’Reilly on Jack Eichel
A slow-paced game turned around in the third period, after the Bruins had built a 3-1 lead. Three goals in 4:03 gave the Sabres the lead.
The Sabres “future” players came to life in the final 20 minutes. Ryan O’Reilly, Eichel and Jamie McGinn scored just minutes apart to turn the tables.
“I was a little nervous jumping on the ice for warmups, but it’s exciting to get a win in front of so many friends and family.” – Jack Eichel
Evander Kane got the scoring started with his eighth goal of the season, but the Bruins bounced back. Matt Beleskey and Patrice Bergeron scored 1:16 apart to give Boston a 2-1 lead in the second period.
After building a comfortable two goal lead, it looked as if things were going Boston’s way. David Krejci’s goal gave the Bruins a 3-1 lead seven minutes into the third.
The Bruins went with backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, and perhaps that decision hurt them as he had a rough time in the third period.
Gustavsson stopped 23 of 27 shots on the night. At the other end, Chad Johnson stopped 30 of 33.
A five goal third period allowed the Sabres to open the season series against Boston with a win.
The Sabres are scheduled for a home and home series with the Washington Capitals. The first game is set for Monday at 7 p.m. at the First Niagara Center.