One would think a final score of Sabres 8, Lightning 7, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, would be enough to say it was a wild, entertaining game. That wouldn't come close to describing it.
The two teams combined for 102 penalty minutes, becoming the first NHL game in over 30 years to feature 15 goals and 100 penalty minutes.
Six fighting majors and two misconducts were assessed in the first 9:13 of the game alone. with 10 total minors through the first 20 minutes. Four more fighting majors and four minors followed in the second period, and the teams decided to get down to hockey business in the third period, with just two minors, one assessed after the final horn. 14 of the goals were scored in the final 40 minutes.
The Sabres went 4 for 7 on the power play, including the game-winning goal by Josh Doan with 4:17 remaining; the Lightning only had two man-advantage opportunities, cashing in on one.
The Sabres now sit atop the Atlantic Division with 86 points, two clear of the Lightning, who have two games in hand on Buffalo. The Bolts have lost five of their last six, overall.
My take: It was an exhibition of ... something. Never a dull moment in that one and a huge win for the Sabres, who are now two points shy of the Canes for the most in the Eastern Conference.
THE ASYLUM
Sabres, Bolts 'fight' to finish
One would think a final score of Sabres 8, Lightning 7, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, would be enough to say it was a wild, entertaining game. That wouldn't come close to describing it.
The two teams combined for 102 penalty minutes, becoming the first NHL game in over 30 years to feature 15 goals and 100 penalty minutes.
Six fighting majors and two misconducts were assessed in the first 9:13 of the game alone. with 10 total minors through the first 20 minutes. Four more fighting majors and four minors followed in the second period, and the teams decided to get down to hockey business in the third period, with just two minors, one assessed after the final horn. 14 of the goals were scored in the final 40 minutes.
The Sabres went 4 for 7 on the power play, including the game-winning goal by Josh Doan with 4:17 remaining; the Lightning only had two man-advantage opportunities, cashing in on one.
The Sabres now sit atop the Atlantic Division with 86 points, two clear of the Lightning, who have two games in hand on Buffalo. The Bolts have lost five of their last six, overall.
My take: It was an exhibition of ... something. Never a dull moment in that one and a huge win for the Sabres, who are now two points shy of the Canes for the most in the Eastern Conference.
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