Jeff Skinner scores in overtime as the Buffalo Sabres defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets in comeback fashion. It was a complete dominate performance, but failed chances found the Sabres down 2-1 after the second period.
Casey Mittelstadt tied the game at two a little over halfway through the third period. Skinner was then able to cap off the game in three-on-three play.
Impact Player
For a while it seemed like Columbus goaltender Daniil Tarasov was going to hold off the Sabres onslaught, but something had to give eventually.
Jack Quinn scored the team’s first goal and was second to only Skinner in individual expected goals-for. He had a massive 81.39% expected goal percentage when on the ice, per Natural Stat Trick. With Dylan Cozens and JJ Peterka, he was consistently matched up against Columbus’ top talent and completely controlled play. It was a very impressive performance for Quinn to continue his tear since returning from an achilles injury.
The Difference
Buffalo came prepared this evening and seemed to have the right mindset. While pouring on 80 shot attempts in the offensive zone and coming up empty consistently, it still felt like the Sabres knew if they kept on pushing the equalizer would come.
Credit to Seth Appert for stepping in for an ill Don Granato behind the bench and getting such a positive response out of the team. Appert is expected to travel with the team and retain his interim role behind the bench tomorrow.
Needs Improvement
It’s hard to be criticize things such as shooting percentage and finish ability since there’s a lot of volatility in goal-scoring.
What can be criticized is the powerplay, which looked lackluster in its one attempt in this game. It cost them a goal, as Adam Fantilli scored on a rush play coming out of the penalty box.
Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power swapped units and the synergy did seem to be there. It will be interesting to see if the Sabres stick with the change going forward.
What’s Next
We have a quick turnaround as the Sabres head to Ottawa for a New Year’s Eve evening tilt against the Senators. Devon Levi is expected to start, and we’ll continue to monitor the status of Zemgus Girgensons. A roster move will have to be made to free up a spot in order to activate him off injured reserve and insert him into the lineup.
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