Sabres can’t slow down potent Jets

The Sabres entered Tuesday’s game looking to snap a four-game losing streak, but they would have a tough time against one of the league’s best teams.

Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor scored twice to lead Winnipeg to a 7-4 win over Buffalo at KeyBank Center.

The seven goals against were a season-high for Buffalo.

Robin Lehner’s night in goal didn’t last long as the Jets knocked him out after he allowed three goals on 14 shots in just over 21 minutes. 

Head coach Phil Housley opted to put Chad Johnson in goal, but the damage was already done and would only get worse. Johnson stopped 16 of 19 shots and took the loss.

For Buffalo, Jack Eichel recorded his 16th and 17th goals of the season. The first on a delayed penalty to knot the game at one, and the second off a great pass from Kyle Okposo. Eichel also set up Ryan O’Reilly for a power play goal. O’Reilly had a goal and two assists on the night.

Sick pass from Eichel to ROR to make it 5-2 pic.twitter.com/S2EGTooCHG

— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) January 10, 2018

Jason Pominville scored for the first time in 14 games, and just his third in 31 games.

Brendan Guhle made his season debut and took a hooking penalty less than five minutes into the game. Although it was nearly killed off, Patrik Laine capitalized by scoring his 19th goal of the season.

Housley commented before the game about how the Sabres needed to stay out of the box and get into shooting lanes, but the team didn’t take that to heart. 

Jordan Nolan took a double minor and a game misconduct in the second period for roughing, and the Jets made him pay. 

The loss gives the Sabres their fifth consecutive loss as they are still in search of their first 2018 victory.

The Sabres will remain home and prepare to host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. That game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. puck drop and will be the next game in our In The Box contest.