Sabres’ Victory Adventures Hit TEN IN A ROW

Score: Buffalo Sabres 4-1 Dallas Stars
Shots: BUF 31-28 DAL

Buffalo Sabres Goals: Doan 11th (Thompson) Byram 9th (Ostlund, Tuch) Thompson 19th (Doan, Byram) Thompson 20th (Ostlund, Power)
Dallas Stars Goals: Bourque 6th (Heiskanen)

Ten in a row for this young team. TEN! That’s a big X in Roman numerals, my friends.

Minus 1: It’s Gametime! Oh, Crud.

This was not the start Buffalo wanted. Dallas would score on the first shift of the game, just 15 seconds in to take the lead. Sabres’ starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen shot the puck up the boards but the Stars were on it. The shot came in from the point which UPL stopped but the rebound popped up in the air (Dahlin: swing and a miss) and Mavrik Bourque chipped it home on the rebound. It was a sudden slap in the face reminder that they were in for a tough battle. To their credit, Buffalo went right back to work and carried much of the play after that. Dahlin particularly got a good opportunity working his way right to the net. The Sabres had eight more high danger chances than the Stars did in the 1st. Casey DeSmith for Dallas was up to the challenge, stopping all 14 Buffalo shots on net. Luukkonen was solid as well, making several good saves. He stopped 13 of 14 in the period.

Plus 1: Big Doan in Big D

Buffalo got a power play early in the 2nd and the best save with the man advantage was made by UPL. Dallas sprung a man all alone out front but Luukkonen slid across the crease in time for a spectacular stop. The Sabres failed to score and would take a penalty right after with Josh Doan going off for tripping. Buffalo killed it off with another good stop from UPL.

Dallas would turn the puck over soon after and Tage Thompson went to work, putting on a keep-away clinic. He stickhanded in the corner, then behind the net, twisting and turning his way until he found Josh Doan out front. His quick blast eluded DeSmith and Buffalo got the big goal they needed. It was Doan’s 11th tally of the year with the loan assist going to newly named Team U.S.A. Olympian TNT.

Luukkonen made a few more stand out stops and Buffalo had a good transition game going. After nearly two periods, the Blue and Gold were keeping up and going toe to toe with Dallas. The Stars were a little frustrated as UPL and the Sabres’ backcheck thwarted their chances. Buffalo really made a statement when Bo Byram, on a two on one with Josh Norris, ripped home his 9th of the year late in the period. It was a huge goal to give the Sabres a 2-1 lead. Lindy Ruff’s team would keep the pressure on right to the horn. The Sabres had a whopping 26 shots on goal after two with a tremendous forecheck going as well.

Plus 2: Ten Times the Fun!

Buffalo killed a huge power play for Dallas about five minutes into the 3rd. Neither team had many good chances until a little over ten minutes left in the game. A nice rush and some sustained pressure by Buffalo led to Tage Thompson scoring to give the Sabres a ginormous 3-1 lead. Credit goes to everyone on the ice as the team was in BEAST MODE. Tage would then ice the game soon after as he scored his 20th of the year on a wicked shot on another rush. Nice pass from Noah Ostlund on the play. The Stars officially burned out at that exact moment and Buffalo would hold on for the 4-1 final.

Thompson finished with three points on the night and Doan and Byram had two each. But everyone chipped in during this game, including the shot blockers in the final minute when the game was decided.

This whirlwind ride isn’t over yet as Buffalo has now entered the playoff picture. Feel free to pinch yourself, but not others please. This was a total team effort as our mostly young players are growing up right before our eyes. TEN wins in a row, let that sink in. For the 4th time in team history. Thank you Sabres for this amazing moment. keep on keeping on!

Final Thoughts:

Kudos to the 4th line again in this one, working hard in both zones and dishing out the grit. Greenway, Dunne and Malenstyn are to be commended. They are as big a part as anyone in this crazy winning streak.

Have a wonderful and safe New Year, Sabres fans. Savor every moment of this as the team marches on. Buffalo has now moved past Florida for the 8th seed. How long can they hold it? Or better yet, how much farther can they advance? Stay tuned.

Buffalo next plays in Columbus on Sat, Jan 3rd against the Blue Jackets at 3pm.