Tuukka Rask kept the Buffalo Sabres out of the net for nearly 60 full minutes, while Chris Wagner and David Backes both found the net, propelling the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 win at TD Garden on Saturday. Rask stopped 31 shots in the Boston victory. Linus Ullmark, making his second straight start for the Sabres, made 39 saves in the loss.
Wagner appeared to score in the game's opening minute, but the goal was waved off thanks to goaltender interference. Wagner, however, would not be denied - the Bruins forward found the net legally at 10:10 of the first period following a Rasmus Dahlin giveaway in front of the net. Boston extended its lead to 2-0 just two minutes into the second period on David Backes' fourth goal of the season. Backes tucked a shot under the crossbar, finishing off a 2-on-1 break with Brad Marchand.
Buffalo had several scoring chances in the final period, but Rask stopped a Jeff Skinner rush. Later in the period, C.J. Smith sent a backhand shot off the post. Rasmus Ristolainen finally got the Sabres on the board at 17:22 of the third, stepping into the zone and ripping a quick shot by Rask to cut Boston's lead in half. The Sabres could not muster a tying goal and fell 2-1. With the loss, the Sabres fall two points back of the Bruins in the Eastern Conference standings. Montreal's regulation loss to Nashville keeps the Canadiens one point behind Buffalo.
GAME SUMMARY
Goal Summary:
First Period:
BUF: NONEBOS: 10:10 - Chris Wagner (5) (Noel Acciari)
Second Period:
BUF: NONEBOS: 2:00 - David Backes (4) (Unassisted)
Third Period:
BUF: 17:22 - Rasmus Ristolainen (5) (Unassisted)BOS: NONE
Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 6:32 - Remi Elie (Interference - 2 min.)BOS: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: NONEBOS: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: NONEBOS: 7:42 - Matt Grzelcyk (Hooking - 2 min.)
Shots on Goal:
BUF: 41 (10, 10, 12)BOS: 32 (13, 15, 12)
Goalies:
BUF: Linus Ullmark - 39 savesBOS: Tuukka Rask - 31 saves
Power Plays:
BUF: 0 for 1BOS: 0 for 2
Three Stars:
- Chris Wagner - BOS
- Tuukka Rask - BOS
- Sean Kuraly - BOS
What's Next:
Buffalo has dropped seven out of its last 10 games, including two losses to the Bruins. The Sabres (22-14-6, 50 points) return home to face the New Jersey Devils (16-17-7, 39 points) on Tuesday. Hear all the action on WGR 550 at 7 p.m., including pre-game coverage with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog at 6 p.m.
