Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres Recap 12/29/16
The Buffalo Sabres came into tonight's game fresh off of a great team win on Tuesday vs the Red Wings. The Sabres knew that if they wanted to get into the playoff conversation that they needed to show up big against the Bruins tonight. The Sabres answered by coming out of the gates flying. Tonights first period was the best period of hockey I've seen from the Sabres in years. There was constant energy in the arena sparked by Marcus Foligno's goal 1:32 into the first period. Later in the first, Will Carrier delivered one of many huge hits to Boston Bruins forward David Backes. Carrier received a two minute penalty for an illegal check to the head, but between you and me, the hit was more so late than check to the head. The Sabres killed of the ensuing Bruins power play. When Carrier came out of the box, Bruins veteran defensemen Adam McQuaid went to settle the score. He went after Carrier looking for a fight and he got one. The refs jumped in early making it tough for the two to fight but its fair to say the inexperienced Will Carrier held his own against a fighting veteran in Adam McQuaid. Not only did Carrier hold his own in the fight, but he drew an instigating penalty on Adam McQuaid. The ensuing Sabres power play resulted in Kyle Okposo's 10th goal of the campaign assisted by Reinhart and Moulson. All in all it was a perfect first period for the Sabres as they headed to the intermission with a two goal lead and an energized crowd. There was even a rumored spontaneous "Lets Go Buffalo" chant.
What's with the Referees stopping fights these days?! #DropTheGloves pic.twitter.com/CrKlZ86C2U
— Bar South N Celly™ (@BarSouthNCelly) December 30, 2016
In the beginning of the second period, tensions continued to rise. There were continued questionable hits and scrums seemingly after every whistle with many of them involving Bruins forward Brad Marchand. Over the years the Sabres have grown accustomed to not only Marchand's on ice antics, but his high skill level. And 3:20 into the second period Marchand struck again as he picked up the primary helper on Patrice Bergeron's 6th goal of the season trimming the Sabres lead to 1. Buffalo then had a couple of Power Play opportunities that were a combination of sloppy Sabres play, but also awesome goaltending from Bruins' net minder Tuukka Rask. With five minutes left in the second, Josh Gorges sent the Bruins to a power play of their own with a tripping minor. The Bruins did what the Sabres couldn't on the power play, they scored. Bruins Center David Krejci picked up his 8th goal of the year in a scrum in front of the net 16:13 into the second period tying the game at 2. Just minutes later, Sabres winger Matt Moulson picked up a tripping penalty of his own sending the Bruins back to the power play, but thankfully the leagues 30th ranked penalty kill prevailed keeping the game tied at 2 heading into the second intermission. The Sabres can't be happy with their second period performance, however they are tied in a must win game heading into the third, they will take that.
Bruins Center Patrice Bergeron battling with Sabres Defenseman Justin Falk minutes before scoring early in the 2nd
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Being tied 2-2 heading into the 3rd, this game was destined for an epic finish. The period started fast with the teams each trading power play chances, but neither team could get anything going. The game then transitioned from a fast-paced affair into a choppy and slow paced stalemate without much open ice. Both teams realized the importance of the game and neither side wanted to make the mistake. The Bruins slowly began to take over as the Sabres team we saw in the first period had seemingly vanished. With 3:57 left in the game, the Bruins young forward Ryan Spooner let a one time pass from David Krejci rip and it found its way past Buffalo goalie Robin Lehner. Spooner's 6th of the year gave the Bruins a 3-2 lead and their first lead of the night. In what was a must win game for the Buffalo Sabres, the young team completely collapsed in the final two periods surrendering 4 unanswered goals (Spooner added an empty netter late) resulting in a disappointing 4-2 Bruins win in Buffalo. The Sabres need to rally fast as the two teams will meet again at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon in Boston.
