The Buffalo Sabres just stunned the Colorado Avalanche 4-0. What a massive and crucial bounce-back against one of the best teams in the show. Here are three thoughts on a great all-around game from the squad.
UPL Masterclass
With Devon Levi out, Buffalo’s backup goalies have had to step up. And while they have been on and off so far, this is by far the best performance from both Comrie and UPL. Speaking of the man himself, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen put on a show. 24 saves on 24 shots, and his first career NHL shutout. He was especially impressive against Colorado’s amazing man advantage. A highlight from the night was an absolute robbery on Ryan Johansen, stretching out fully to deny him at the back door. That was the best game I’ve ever seen him play, and I hope to see him continue in the future. He has all the potential in the world and a two-headed monster of him and Levi would be amazing for this young Sabres team.
Penalty Kill Stays Hot
Incredible showing from the Sabres penalty kill. Don Granato must have drilled this into the heads of his players during the offseason because this is the best penalty kill I have ever seen from a Sabres team. They have a set strategy of playing the I formation, with the top of the I being a roaming forward. Add great stick movement and good communication, and you get a top 10 kill in the NHL. I’ve been especially impressed with the first unit of Tage Thompson and Jordan Greenway. Everyone thinks of Thompson as an offensive dynamo and nothing more. But he has proved this year that even if he isn’t on the scoresheet, he contributes on both sides of the ice.
Time To Start A Streak
The Sabres have been on a win-loss/win-loss trajectory so far. To start moving up the table, they need to get a win streak going. After all, this is a team with playoff ambitions. A game like this, where a young upstart team blanks a squad that won it all two years ago, is a perfect launch pad. It’s time for this team to get rolling, and I hope this momentum carries over to their next game.
The Sabres take a road trip to the City of Brotherly Love for a match against the Flyers on November 1st. I’ll be ready to give my thoughts post-game, so stay tuned. Let’s Go Buffalo!
ITR 40: Headed For A Repeat? – Inside The Rink
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