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Bruins Avoid Disaster Against the Sabres

By Scott Roche

Mar 27, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) skates towards the locker room as the Boston Bruins congratulate each other after their 3-2 win at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) skates towards the locker room as the Boston Bruins congratulate each other after their 3-2 win at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Craig Smith (12) is congratulated by center Patrice Bergeron (37) after their 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Craig Smith (12) is congratulated by center Patrice Bergeron (37) after their 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Coming into Saturday afternoon’s game against the Boston Bruins, the Buffalo Sabres had lost their 16 previous games. In the span, they were 0-14-2, with an overtime loss and a shootout loss. Through the first 40 minutes Saturday, the Sabres looked like they were in a position to end their losing streak at the hands of the Black and Gold.

Fortunately for the Bruins, two third-period goals were enough to hand Buffalo their 17th consecutive loss with a 3-2 come-from-behind victory at the TD Garden. Here are some takeaways and stars of the game for the Bruins.

  • The Bruins were dealt a blow before the game when Brad Marchand was the latest player to go on the COVID-19 protocols list, which forced him to miss the game. Rookie Trent Frederic was moved in his place with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. The line combined for 10 of the B’s 36 shots on net.
  • With Tuukka Rask injured again, Dan Vladar got the start Saturday and after gifting the Sabres the first goal of the game on the power play, he played well. Vladar finished with 25 saves to improve to 2-0 on the season.
  • Boston had scored power play goals in four straight games prior to Saturday, but failed to beat Buffalo goalie Linus Ullmark. The Bruins had eight shots on their five opportunities, with their power play in the third period their best-looking one of the day.
  • With Buffalo leading 1-0 in the second period, Matt Grzelcyk tied the game with a goal during a delayed penalty call against the Sabres. The Bruins had good offensive zone pressure during the time leading up to Grzelcyk’s goal. Buffalo came close twice to gaining possession, but the B’s were able to keep possession, which led to Grz’s goal.
  • Jeremy Lauzon made his return from hand surgery and played for the first time since Feb. 21 in Lake Tahoe. As usual, he was key on the penalty kill, playing 3:30 shorthanded, which tied him with Charlie McAvoy and Chris Wagner.
  • Buffalo seven times had the lead heading into the third period this season and won each game. Boston outplayed the Sabres in the final 20 minutes and outshot them 15-3 to rally for two much-needed points to stay three points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers for the fourth and final East Division playoff spot. The Flyers beat the New York Rangers, 2-1, Saturday afternoon.
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