Despite multiple chances throughout the game, Buffalo fails to capitalize.
By Ryan Wolfe / Diebytheblade.com
Plus 1: New Lines = More Success?
With the Sabres recently noted offensive struggles, Ralph Krueger decided to shake things up a bit.
After seeing Buffalo’s first period performance, along with the game’s final fancy stats, things might actually be pointing up for Buffalo’s offense.
The Girgensons – Larsson – Lazar line was the best 5-on-5 line for both teams last night. Their ability to continue to be a dominant, shut-down line is impressive.
Right behind them was the Sheary-Rodrigues-Skinner line.
Both those lines registered above 80% in the expected goals category.
One major red flag continues to be whichever line Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart are on. Their new line with Jimmy Vesey registered right below 30% in that same expected goals category. Something has to give.
Plus 2: Tuukka
We do not often like to give credit to the opposing team but when the time comes, credit must be given where credit is due.
Goodness gracious, Tuukka Rask.
The Buffalo Sabres are busting their collective tails trying to score goals, Evan Rodrigues thinks he has a surefire goal with the goal wide open.
Rask comes along and stops the puck with his blocker hand.
Again, he CAUGHT THE PUCK WITH HIS BLOCKER HAND.
Unreal.
Minus 1: An Inability to Score
There was no doubt that Buffalo handled the pace of play throughout most of last night’s game.
At the end of the game, Buffalo managed to score two goals despite having a bevy of close scoring chances.
This continues to be a troubling trend for this hockey team.
As time has gone on, things do not seem to get better. As mentioned with the Eichel-Reinhart line struggles, something has to give at some point.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo appears to have played a real good road game. They controlled the pace of play and forced Boston to play their game.
We look back at the first period – Buffalo outshot Boston, 17-4. At the end of that period, the game was tied 1-1.
At the end of the day, Buffalo did not capitalize on their scoring chances and that was incredibly evident. If this team can’t score, this team will not win – it is as obvious and as simple as that.