Buffalo Sabres: Late goal gives Sharks victory
By Nick McAdam
3) Close, but no cigar
It really was a close game. Both teams amassed around the same shots, hits and face-off wins.
Ryan O’Reilly buried a slap shot on the power-play, after Eichel transitioned so smoothly into the offensive zone. Pominville found another way to contribute to the club, by scoring his sixth goal of the season. His assist came from yet another Eichel pass.
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The difference is the Buffalo Sabres ability to close out the game, or at least take it into overtime. Both of those have been non-existent so far this season, which usually means their net is empty in the final minutes of a game.
I can’t be disappointed with the performance, but the Sabres need to find a way to get the job done. They have the players that can change a game at any moment, so start utilizing them.
Sabres’ player of the game
I like Eichel. The birthday boy proved why he’s the Sabres’ face of the franchise. The wonderkid worked magic with his silky moves through the neutral zone, while creating plays as well.
He put the puck into the net in the first period, but the goal was disallowed for interference. The now 21-year-old poked the puck away from Justin Braun, which allowed Pominville to posses the puck and fire it home. After Saturday’s game, Eichel leads the Sabres with eight assists this season.
On disallowed goal: “It’s unfortunate. I thought he had time to reset. But because it was in the paint, they definitely had an argument.” pic.twitter.com/7IzT0xHX9Q
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 28, 2017
Next match
Buffalo travels to Arizona Thursday, Nov. 2, to take on the Coyotes. The game will be at 10:00 p.m. (ET). Get your coverage for all the Buffalo Sabres games right here, on Tip of the Tower.
Next: What is wrong with Kyle Okposo?
Are you more disappointed with the performance than I am? Want to send a happy birthday out to Eichel? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!