Three Takeaways From The Buffalo Sabres 3-2 Win Over The Chicago Blackhawks
Sabres snap three-game losing skid against Central Division bottom-dweller
Three Takeaways From The Buffalo Sabres 3-2 Win Over The Chicago BlackhawksThe Buffalo Sabres did not dominate one of the NHL’s worst clubs, but after losing three games in a row and falling behind in the Eastern Conference standings, the Sabres fought through and earned a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on Sunday, as veteran Erik Johnson scored the game-winner midway through the third period.
Rasmus Dahlin scored the opening goal less than five minutes into the first period, but Chicago responded early in the middle frame on a goal by Taylor Raddysh. Jeff Skinner scored his club-leading eighth goal on the power play, but Philipp Kurashev responded late in the middle frame in a back-and-forth battle.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 24 saves for his fourth victory of the season.
Here are three takeaways from Buffalo’s 3-2 victory over the Hawks:
Defensive Offense
The Sabres will need everyone to pitch in with Tage Thompson out until sometime in December or early January and in Chicago they got two of their three goals from blueliners. Rasmus Dahlin had three points, including his fourth goal of the season on a setup by rookie Zach Benson, while Johnson’s game-winner was an uncharacteristic dash by the veteran defenseman, who went high over Petr Mrazek’s shoulder.
Mr. Consistent
J-J Peterka continues to be a consistent offensive provider for Buffalo, with a pair of assists on Sunday. The sophomore is second in team scoring with 14 points and goals with 7 and has replaced Thompson on the top power play.
Cozens Concerns
It has been only two games without Thompson in the lineup, but for the Sabres to ride out his absence, they would need to get both Casey Mittelstadt and Dylan Cozens to step up. Mittelstadt assisted on Johnson’s game-winner, but Cozens for the second straight game went pointless centering the top line with Skinner and Alex Tuch.
Cozens said he did not feel comfortable wearing the full face shield after breaking his nose last month, and that affected his peripheral vision, which may have been a factor in his five giveaways on Sunday.
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