Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR) - The Buffalo Sabres were back in action for the first time in nine days on Thursday night taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center.
The game started off slow for the Sabres, as Columbus took a one-goal lead in the first period. However, Buffalo responded in the second and third periods with three-straight goals from Rasmus Dahlin, Kyle Okposo, and Alex Tuch.
The lead wouldn't last, though, as Columbus tied the game in the third period, and Jakub Voracek won the game for the Blue Jackets just 17 seconds into overtime. The loss for Buffalo bringing the Sabres' overtime record to 1-7 on the season.
The Sabres, once again, saw their third period lead slip away. Rather than looking at this loss in a negative light, let's take a look at three things the Sabres did well in this game.
Related
Here are this game's three observations:
1.) Composure
Throughout the entire game, the Blue Jackets were extremely physical and played very rough against the Sabres. However, the Sabres kept their composure, taking just two penalties in the entire game.
This had the potential to be a game where tempers flare due to the physicality and, in some cases, somewhat dirty play from both teams. Had the Sabres committed more penalties, the game could’ve slipped away from them quicker.
Showing this kind of composure is an important step for the team.
2.) Coming in hot off a break
This was the Sabres’ first game in nine days after the NHL All-Star break, and the team came out firing. After going down by one in the first, the Sabres proceeded to score three-straight goals and led for the majority of the game.
It was intriguing to see how quickly the team got back into a rhythm despite the current injuries to important starters. Along with this, the Sabres have a history of not performing well after long breaks like the All-Star break.
While this season is likely over, in terms of making the playoffs, this type of play will be good for the team's future as they build confidence in the young core they have established.
3.) All-Star experience
Dahlin participated in the NHL's All-Star Weekend festivities last weekend and competed in the Accuracy Shooting competition, hitting all four targets on six shots in around 17 seconds. In the All-Star Game itself, the Sabres defenseman recorded a goal and an assist.
What’s not quantifiable on paper is the interactions he experienced with other NHL stars. These stars of the game can provide insight that you can’t learn in a game. Being on the same ice as players such as Victor Hedman and Alex Pietrangelo in a laid-back setting such as this could be very good for his development and confidence in his game.
The All-Star Game is just a good place for Dahlin to re-collect himself and have fun with the game of hockey, because there’s no pressure.
----------
As the Sabres await the return of forward Casey Mittelstadt, they will travel to Montreal to take on the Canadiens on Super Bowl Sunday.
Sabres pregame coverage on WGR begins at 11:30 a.m. EST with Brian Koziol and Paul Hamilton, with puck drop set for 12:30 p.m. EST on the radio home of the Sabres - WGR Sports Radio 550.
Related
