1/26/2021
Photo Credit: Sara Schmidle/ NHL.com
Buffalo, N.Y.-- Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres got their first regulation win of the season as they defeated the New York Rangers 3-2. The Sabres, coming off a 4-3 shootout win in Washington on Sunday, were underdogs coming into this game against an opponent that was expected to be one of the best in the new tough East Divison.
The Sabres started off slow as Chris Kreider netted the game's first goal for New York a little over six minutes into the game. K'Andre Miller would get the only other goal for New York as we pounded home a point shot with only six seconds remaining on the clock in the first period. Between the two Ranger goals, Sabre Dylan Cozens was able to find the back of the net off a one-timer from the high slot on the powerplay.
The second period brought more success for the Sabres as Tobias Rieder broke loose behind the Ranger defensemen and buried a break-a-way goal on dealing his way around Rangers goaltender Alexandar Georgiev. Then on the powerplay Sabres captain, Jack Eichel found his way to the score sheet. Eichel again from the slot bombed a one-timer with assists going to Victor Olofsson and Rasmus Dahlin.
The story of the past two games for the Sabres has been special teams. In the last two games (Sunday, January 24th vs Washington, and tonight vs Rangers) the Sabres' powerplay went 5-9. With all 3 of the regulation goal vs Washington coming on the powerplay, and 2 of them tonight on the powerplay. On the other side of the puck, the Sabres' penalty kill was perfect killing all 3 of New York's chances. Including a last-second opportunity for the Rangers as Taylor Hall went to the box, cause a 6 on 4 kills for the Sabres as the Ranger also pulled their goaltender.
The Buffalo Sabres also had some new faces get on the score sheet as Matt Irwin was credited with an assist after making a nice play along the boards to knock the puck loose for Rieder's break-a-way goal. On the other hand, some old faces also had some notable accomplishments as defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen marked his 500th career NHL game tonight as he assisted on Dylan Cozens's powerplay goal. And goaltender Linus Ullmark recorded his 2nd win, in as many games, stopping 28 of 30 shots faced.
The Sabres will see the Rangers again on Thursday night for the last game of this 2 game series in Buffalo.