The Buffalo Sabres are hunting for critical points in the standings on a nightly basis these days, and their 4-3 overtime win over Boston last night was as huge a win as they’ve had all year. The winning goal was scored by Brad Boyes, the team’s only trade deadline acquisition. It was Boyes’ 3rd goal since joining the Sabres, set up by some good hustle from Nathan Gerbe. This game started out as expected, with the Bruins flying high on home ice. They took a 1-0 lead in the first period, then stretched it to 2-0 early in the second period. Buffalo, as has been the case for most of their current long road trip, didn’t wilt under the heat. Tyler Ennis got the team on the board on the next shift after Boston’s 2nd goal, scoring as the Bruins’ PA announcer was still announcing the Bruins’ goal. The Sabres tied the score near the end of the period, with Thomas Vanek scoring on the power play. After Boston got the lead back early in the final period, Buffalo tied it with another power play goal, from Tim Connolly, setting up Boyes’ OT heroics. Boyes has been a great addition to the Sabres’ lineup so far, and besides scoring the game winner he also assisted on Connolly’s goal. The two were junior teammates with the Erie Otters, and hopefully will continue to show some chemistry into the playoffs. Ennis also had an assist to go along with his goal. One key to the win was the Sabres’ ability to match Boston’s physical intensity, something they didn’t do much of in last year’s playoff matchup with the Bruins. Cody McCormick picked up 2 fighting majors, Paul Gaustad also had one and Mike Grier and Chris Butler got roughing penalties in scrums while sticking up for their teammates. With the win, the Sabres moved up into the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They close out the long trip in Toronto on Saturday night. Hopefully they can add 2 more points to their total for the year.
NHL – Sabres’ Brad Boyes, A Good Investment
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