Bruins Avoid Disaster Against the Sabres
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.
Stars of the Game
Charlie McAvoy
No, McAvoy didn’t score, but his individual effort in the third period allowed the Bruins to tie the game. He collected the puck in the Sabres zone, skated around the net, cut through the slot, swung around like he was going to go behind the net again, then his pass to the front hit a skate, and went to Nick Ritchie, who tied the game. As usual, McAvoy led the Bruins with time-on-ice at 26:32.
https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1375886931540774920
Craig Smith
Smith scored his sixth goal of the season with 3:50 left in the game, which turned out to be the game-winner. Alone at the side of the net, the puck found the free-agent signee from the Nashville Predators and he was able to bury the loose puck.
It's 3-2 #NHLBruins with 3:50 to go! Krech gets it over to Smitty who whacks it home from the top of the crease for the late lead.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 27, 2021
Dan Vladar
Yes, he gifted the Sabres their first goal, but after that, he kept his team in the game to give them an opportunity to come back. His busiest period was the second when he stopped 13 of Buffalo’s 14 shots.
Nick Ritchie
Ritchie was the only Bruins player with multiple points, a goal, and an assist, in the game with both points coming in the third period. His goal tied the game, then he won a puck battle at the side of the net to keep the play alive to allow Smith to score the game-winning goal.
Boston returns to the ice Sunday night at 5:30 against the New Jersey Devils at the TD Garden in the third game of a seven-game homestand. It remains to be seen who will be available, but regardless, another two key points are on the line.