Final Score: 4-3 (OT) Blue Jackets
Arrow up:
Jeff Skinner Can Do It Himself –
With the Sabres down by one in the 2nd period Jeff Skinner makes a fantastic individual effort to not the game up at 2-2. It was the only shot on goal for Skinner who’s line was somewhat forgettable outside of this moment. Late in the game we saw Sobotka come off the 2nd unit in favor of Vesey. This will be something to watch going into Wednesdays home game against the Canadians.
Victor Olofsson Secures a Point –
It is early in the season, but Victor Olofsson has proven to Krueger that he can handle the big minutes. With the net empty the rookie winger receives a pass from Dahlin and doesn’t miss. He was a clear bright-spot in an otherwise forgettable game. He produced 3 SOG which was tied for the team lead in the game. While the loss is tough to stomach we have to feel good of the overall play of the the Sabres first line.
Linus Ullmark –
Not a single goal can be blamed on Ullmark who made his first start of the season tonight in Columbus. He faced 44 shots on net and made a number of saves on high danger scoring chances. If I had to hand out a first star of the night it would be to #35 who showed us he is more than capable of producing wins as the backup. The team in front of Hutton Saturday night was not the team that traveled to Columbus and Ullmark held his own while getting peppered with shots.
Quick Hits:
- The first battle back from adversity after a poor end to the first period
- Johansson nets his first as a Buffalo Sabre
- Columbus more than doubles the Sabres SOG
- The bottom six is non-existent
- Colin Miller has been a great addition
- Changes in lines throughout the game
Overall Recap
In by far the worst effort of the season the Buffalo Sabres come out with 1 point. Overtime hockey is somewhat of a coin flip and Eichel’s mishap is all it took to spoil the come from behind victory. This game was all Blue Jackets who came off an abysmal showing against Pittsburgh and were challenged by the media and their coach on their effort. They stepped up against the Sabres and showed they still have a fine hockey club despite the free agent subtractions. On the Buffalo side we can build on facing adversity and bouncing back twice to secure a point which keeps them tied on top of the Eastern Conference standings. I would expect Sobotka to remain with the 4th line where he finished the night which I know will inspire optimism in many Sabres fans!
Wednesday Night we are home against the Habs!
