In Linus Ullmark's return to the lineup on Saturday, the Buffalo Sabres only trailed for less than four minutes all afternoon. Unfortunately, it happened to be the final four minutes of regulation against the Boston Bruins, who downed Buffalo by a final score of 3-2 at TD Garden.
It was Buffalo getting the scoring party started first, as the Sabres did something they had not accomplished since the start of their current winless streak. On an early power play opportunity, Sam Reinhart found the back of the net, taking advantage of a mistake by Bruins netminder Daniel Vladar.
It was Reinhart's 12th goal of the season, and first in the last nine games for the team's leading goal-scorer.
Boston found the tying goal 11:41 into the second period of play, when defenseman Matt Grzelcyk's point shot found its way through heavy traffic in front of Ullmark and hit twine.
The Sabres got their lead back a few minutes later when Kyle Okposo jumped on a loose puck shot initially by Henri Jokiharju. Okposo lifted his backhand shot past a frantic Vladar for the veteran's second goal of the year. Both have come against Boston.
Jokiharju and Steven Fogarty were credited with the assists on the goal, giving Fogarty his first career point in the National Hockey League.
The home team had a response yet again just 5:22 into the final period of regulation. Forward Nick Ritchie was the beneficiary of a goal after a pass attempt from defenseman Charlie McAvoy bounced off Rasmus Ristolainen in front of the net.
The Bruins took their first lead of the afternoon with less than four minutes to play. Veteran Craig Smith was in the right place at the right time, as a net-front scramble saw the puck carom to his spot on the right-side of Ullmark just outside of the crease. It was the forward's sixth goal of the season.
Smith's goal stood as the game-winner, as the Sabres didn't have an answer after falling behind.
Buffalo's winless streak hit an unfathomable 17 games in a row. The team is 0-15-2 in that stretch.
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GAME SUMMARY
Goal Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 2:01 - Sam Reinhart (12) PPG (Unassisted)
BOS: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: 14:12 - Kyle Okposo (2) (Henri Jokiharju, Steven Fogarty)
BOS: 11:41 - Matt Grzelcyk (2) (David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
BOS: 5:22 - Nick Ritchie (9) (Charlie McAvoy, Matt Grzelcyk); 16:10 - Craig Smith (6) (David Krejci, Nick Ritchie)
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Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 4:06 - Brandon Montour (Tripping - 2 min.); 14:59 - Casey Mittelstadt (Hooking - 2 min.)
BOS: 1:16 - Connor Clifton (Elbowing - 2 min.); 18:54 - David Pastrnak (Tripping - 2 min.)
Second Period:
BUF: 15:00 - Jean-Sebastian Dea (High-sticking - 2 min.)
BOS: 7:15 - Charlie Coyle (High-sticking - 2 min.)
Third Period:
BUF: 9:38 - Brandon Montour (Hooking - 2 min.); 19:35 - Rasmus Ristolainen (Goaltender interference - 2 min.)
BOS: NONE
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Craig Smith - BOS
2.) Charlie McAvoy - BOS
3.) Nick Ritchie - BOS
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What's Next:
The blue and gold return home on Monday night, as the Sabres take on the Philadephia Flyers. Puck drop at KeyBank Center is set for 7 p.m. ET with the Paul William Beltz Pregame Show with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog starting at 6 p.m. ET on the radio home of the Sabres - WGR Sports Radio 550.