Bruins tipped over by Buffalo

Dec 19, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) tries to deflect a shot on Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller (30) during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The last time these two teams met was way back in October, the B’s topped the Sabres 5-2. Buffalo is a poor team with an overall record of only 8-23-3 and is 3-5-2 in their last 10 games.

In net: Chad Johnson and Ryan Miller

The game started off slowly, as if the two teams were sizing each other up. In fact the only real action that occurred in the first half of the period was a fight between Matt Fraser and Marcus Foligno.

The second half of the period was littered with penalty calls (6).

The first goal of the game went to Sabres Brian Flynn. Johnny Boychuk was the victim of a bad bounce, than the flat footed Defenseman had to watch a streaking Flynn skate in on Johnson, fire a backhander high glove side, for the Short-handed goal.

After 1 period; 1-0 Buffalo  Shots: 7-6 Boston

In the second period the Bruins and Johnny Boychuk would get some payback as they scored their own Short-handed goal. Boychuk would establish possession of the puck, fire an off the boards pass to Brad Marchand (6) who skated toward Miller with speed, then fired a wrist shot in for the shorty.

The next Bruins goal was also scored by Marchand (7), this time set-up by Patrice Bergeron for an even-strength goal. The B’s seemed to find their pulse, coming out with far more energy.

The Sabres would tie things up late. While on an odd man rush (that appeared to fail) they got a lucky bounce off of the body of Marcus Foligno that went into the net. Proving good things happen when you drive to the net.

After 2 periods; 2-2  Shots: 14-12 Boston

In the third period the action went back n forth but there were no real scoring opportunities until Drew Stafford scored on a wrap around. Johnson gave up yet another soft goal, a trend that must stop. Adding insult to injury… the Sabres put the game away when Tyler Myers fired a wrist shot past Johnson for a two goal lead.

4-2 Buffalo wins.  Shots: 36-23 Boston

This was an unacceptable loss for the Bruins, to a lousy team.

Next up is a Saturday night rematch with these same Sabres. Go B’s!