Quick Hits: Blues vs. Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres began their brief road trip in St. Louis tonight, and the Blues showed themselves to be less than hospitable guests.
Buffalo would look to get a quick start in St. Louis, looking to set their game up against the Blues. An early major penalty to Tyler Ennis would throw a wrinkle in that plan.
Ennis boarding major pic.twitter.com/U94I94R7ME
— steph (@myregularface) November 20, 2015
What an ugly penalty, and a lazy check by Tyler Ennis. That one might be receiving a second look from the league office.
St. Louis was quick to take advantage of their 5 minute power play. It took the Blues 34 seconds, to be exact, before they made Buffalo pay for Ennis’ transgression.
It would go in the books as Kevin Shattenkirk’s 2nd goal of the season at 5:34 of the first period.
The remainder of the first period showed both teams looking to find their game on the ice. Things were a little sloppy, with both teams combining for only 14 shots (9-6 Blues).
Things would thankfully open up for both teams in the second period.
Buffalo would get the equalizer early on in the second frame. A Rasmus Ristolainen shot rebounded off of Jake Allen, and redirected itself right to Sam Reinhart.
With little effort, Reinhart popped the puck past Jake Allen for his 4th goal of the season. This game found itself tied just 1:31 into the second.
St. Louis wouldn’t go down without a fight though. They would regain momentum and ultimately the lead, on a power play.
Vladimir Tarasenko did what Vladimir Tarasenko does – scores goals. Hard to stop this guy at even-strength, not even beginning to mention how hard it is being a man down.
Tarasenko’s 12th goal of the season pushed St. Louis to 2-1 at 4:28 in the second.
As the period grew older, the Sabres had turned around their offense and appeared to be grabbing a large piece of the game’s overall momentum.
Buffalo’s momentum grab would reach a fever pitch less than two minutes after the 2nd period’s halfway mark.
Brian Gionta found himself a wide open Ryan O’Reilly (who else?) stationed in front of the Blues’ goal for the perfect setup.
O’Reilly’s 7th goal of the season at 11:56 of the second period tied the game up at 2.
As for offense, that would wrap things up for the evening. The third period was full of chances, with more going to Buffalo. Neither team would score in the third or in the very, very, very entertaining overtime period.
This one would have to be resolved in a shootout.
Six shooters took the ice, only one would end up scoring.
Alexander Steen’s shot would be the shootout winning goal for the Blues, who would wrap up a 3-2 victory. The shot was reviewed, when it looked as if Steen forced the puck in after taking his original shot but inconclusive video evidence allowed the goal to stand.
With this loss, the Buffalo Sabres drop to 8-9-2 on the season with 18 points. This keeps Buffalo in 7th place in the Atlantic Division and 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Buffalo continues their road trip Saturday night, when they stop by Dallas to take on the Stars again.
Now, for hot takes quick hits!
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- Evander Kane Returns!
Following a 10-game absence due to a MCL strain, potential offensive savior/forward Evander Kane returned to the Sabres lineup.
While some wondered if Kane had returned too soon, his game tonight showed us that those worried should be dashed for the time being.
Kane finished with 20:57 TOI, 5 shots and 3 hits. Not bad at all from Kane.
He also finished with a 55.81% Corsi For, which indicates a decent game from the fancy stat front.
If Evander Kane can get into a rhythm in, he could be the key to solving the Sabres’ offense.
- Beyond Blue and Gold
Hope y’all enjoy this commercial break.
- Jake Allen is UNREAL.
Ok, so I know the rules here. I’m no amateur. We’re supposed to have some fun with Sabres related performance.
I could not continue with this writing without giving credit where it is due.
Jake Allen is a wonderful goaltender. He is quickly developing into one of the better goaltenders in the National Hockey League.
Allen had a fantastic exchange early in the third period on a 5-on-3 penalty kill where he stopped multiple shots and shut the Sabres offense down. There isn’t really much more I can say than wow.
Oh yeah, he was fantastic in overtime and the shootout too.
This guy had me speechless throughout most of the night.
- Shootouts are for doo doo loser heads.
Did you read the bulleted title?
That explains my feels. The very deep, fiery feels.
That is all. Bye.
- Ugh.
Brian Gionta, don’t go away mad. Brian Gionta, just go away.
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