Sports Then and Now

Courtesy of Sabres Hockey Central

The Sabres played three games this past week, all of which were decided by one goal. Although Buffalo did not lose, they did not play very well, explained Head Coach Lindy Ruff.

The Sabres began the week by hosting Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Halfway through the game, the Sabres found themselves trailing 3-0. The team was not playing well at all, but they began to get some quality scoring chances. Former Sabre Jay Mckee fell on the puck in his own crease, allowing Buffalo a opportunity with a penalty shot.

Ryan Miller makes a save in the first period.

Drew Stafford would get Buffalo on the board, but still trailing by two. Only a couple minutes later, Stafford would score again, and just like that Buffalo was back in the game. In the third period, Paul Gaustad tied the game up, and Buffalo was in business. In overtime, Jason Pominville would get the game winning goal, and the Sabres completed the comeback.

On Saturday, the Sabres took on an Atlanta team that they have not defeated in six tries. Buffalo got off to a similar start as the game against Pittsburgh. They fell behind by three, and needed a superb effort to get back into the game.

All of the Thrashers goals came in the second period, and Buffalo was down quick. Down but not out. Jochen Hecht got the Sabres on the board at the end of the second, but still trailed by two. Hecht would contribute again in the third, along with Tim Connolly, and Buffalo overcame another three goal deficit.

In overtime, Tyler Myers dumped the puck into the zone. The puck would take a weird bounce off the glass, and went right to Derek Roy who had an empty net. Roy won the game and the Sabres won three in a row.

On Sunday, Buffalo got off to a much better start against Montreal. The Sabres did not fall behind by three. They did not even let the Canadiens score. Ryan Miller earned his 5th shutout as the Sabres won their fourth in a row. Tim Connolly’s lone goal was all the Sabres needed for the victory.

The Sabres trail New Jersey by three points for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

This week, Sabres Hockey Central takes an in-depth look at Buffalo native Patrick Kaleta. Next week, SHC will feature Thomas Vanek. For more info, visit http://www.sabreshockeycentral.com