Katy Perry’s acclaimed song “Hot and Cold” describes this Sabres team better than anything. One night this team is colder than a Bills game in January, and on other nights, they are hotter than Josh Allen wearing shorts. This game was the latter.
Coming into this contest, Nashville was riding a nice five-game winning streak, while Buffalo was on a six-game skid. The odds were not in the Sabres’ favor.
First Period
For only the second time in their last nine games, Buffalo scored the first goal. It only took Mark Jankowski five minutes to score his first goal as a member of the Sabres. A Mark Pysyk point shot led to Jankowski tipping the puck onto the net. Some puck luck for Buffalo resulted in an own goal against Nashville.
Just like that, the Sabres had their first lead in nearly 130 in-game minutes.
Later in the period, Nashville thought they tied the game. However, an offsides challenge by Buffalo Head Coach Don Granato negated the goal from counting.
The rest of the first period saw a back-and-forth affair with Aaron Dell standing tall in his return back to the NHL.
Second Period
Both teams found themselves notching a powerplay goal in the second frame.
A Cody Eakin roughing penalty set Nashville up with a powerplay. All hell broke loose in front of Dell, and Matt Duchene tied the game. After several whacks by the Nashville players, one eventually got past the sprawling Sabres’ netminder.
It did not take long for Buffalo to regain their lead. A man-advantage culminated in Jeff Skinner scoring his 12th goal of the season. Dylan Cozens ripped a shot from the top of the circles, followed by Skinner scooping the rebound and roofing it over the leg of Juuse Saros. This was Skinner’s 12th goal of the year and he is on pace for 30 this season. His night was not done just yet.
Another period down for Buffalo, and they looked incredibly comfortable in the Central Division leader’s rink. The Sabres did not look anywhere close to the same team that got blown out by Tampa Bay just two days before.
Third Period
I have no idea what changed when Dell was in Rochester, but he has returned to Buffalo as a new man. A huge body check (yes you read that right), and several “Dominik Hasek” like saves resulted in Dell’s best performance in a blue-and-gold jersey.
Jeff Skinner took his goal song quite seriously this game as it was “definitely not a Nashville party,” as he scored his second of the night. Alex Tuch sprung Skinner for a breakaway, and number 53 ripped one by the glove of Saros. This up’s Skinner’s goal total to four tallies in his last four games.
With time winding down, Vinnie Hinostroza sent a long shot down the ice into the empty net of Nashville, securing the 4-1 win for the Sabres.
Aaron Dell
Boy was the 32-year-old outstanding as he finally notched his first win in a Buffalo jersey. He was the rock this team desperately needed this game.
The Sabres controlled most of this contest, but they did not give up any weak goals that normally deflate their sails.
Dell is now 2-0 as a father, and he hopes to continue that streak to revitalize his career.
This will be a huge stretch for the Sabres netminder, as there are still four Buffalo goalies injured.
Sabres returners make huge impact
Three skaters made their return back to the Buffalo lineup. Both Kyle Okposo and Alex Tuch returned from the COVID-19 protocol. While Robert Hagg made his first appearance in nearly a month.
All three elevated this team in ways away from the scoresheet. There was a faster pace and plenty of energy for this team, and you have to imagine these three played a big impact in that.
The line combination of Dylan Cozens, Alex Tuch, and Jeff Skinner controlled the play when they were out there. Buffalo is at their best when Skinner is putting the puck in the net, and if this line keeps producing Buffalo will win more games.
The Sabres are hoping Peyton Krebs will be able to make his return to the lineup in this Saturday’s contest.
What’s next?
Buffalo heads to Detroit as they head to Atlantic Division rival the Red Wings. Puck Drop is at 7 pm, and the Sabres are hoping to continue the way they played this weekend.
Comment below how you think this game went, and do you think Dell can continue this play in the future?
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