Philadelphia, PA (WGR 550) - The Sabres threw numerous Grade-A scoring chances at Flyers goalie Carter Hart on Saturday, but in the end, Buffalo had its sixth straight loss, 3-1 in Philadelphia.
Buffalo had 39 shots and the only goal they could get by Hart was a tic-tac-toe layup by Dom Kahun. I thought Kahun's line with Marcus Johansson and Victor Olofsson was the Sabres' best line. Olofsson did break his six-game pointless streak, picking up an assist on the goal.
Philadelphia won its ninth straight game, but Buffalo outplayed them through much of this game. The chances came quickly as Olofsson set up Johansson in-tight on Hart, but he put the puck over the net.
Jeff Skinner sent Sam Reinhart in all alone, but Hart made a great save.
During their streak, the Flyers had the NHL's best power play, but the Sabres did a terrific job of killing back-to-back penalties. During the four minutes, Philadelphia got one scoring chance. It was a good one as Sean Couturier ripped a one-timer from the slot that Carter Hutton made a great save on.
Buffalo even got a great chance of its own when Johan Larsson led a shorthanded 2-on-1 rush. Hart stopped Larsson's shot from the left circle and Zemgus Girgensons on the rebound.
Buffalo left the first period with a 13-4 shots advantage, yet the game was 0-0.
Olofsson opened the second period wide-open in front of Hart, but his shot was just wide of the post.
Hart was really strong when Jeff Skinner found Sam Reinhart, who brought the puck right to the front of the net, but Hart didn't budge.
Kahun's goal tied the game before the second period was over.
The game-winning goal came for Philadelphia when Jake McCabe did his job and deflected a pass headed for an open Claude Giroux in front. The Flyers captain hit a fluttering puck that was on end perfectly inside the post.
The Sabres worked very hard on their last two power plays, winning many battles, but in the end, the power play let them down again, going 0-for-4.
In the end, the Sabres aren't going to win many hockey games with Jack Eichel and Reinhart going seven games without a point. I talked about the scoring chances, but notice Eichel really didn't have any as he plays through a core injury.
Rasmus Ristolainen was moved to left defense for this game. The only other time he played on the left side in the NHL was during one preseason game.
Buffalo has Sunday off and then hosts Washington on Monday.
