This was the second of a back-to-back for the Flames, who lost in Chicago on Tuesday, but they got off to a fast start, with Rasmus Andersson and Joel Farabee giving them a 2-0 lead in the opening 12 minutes.
First periods continue to be a point of concern for the Sabres, who managed just five shots in Wednesday’s. They’ve scored first in just six games this season, tied for fewest in the NHL, after ranking fourth best in that department last year.
“We had the opportunity in that first 10 minutes really to just try to outwork the other team; we got outworked, it’s as simple as that,” said coach Lindy Ruff, who wanted simpler puck play from his team early on. “I think our guys, some of the guys, wanted it easy. It wasn’t going to be easy tonight.”
“… I don’t think we respected them enough.”
The Sabres appeared to get on the board late in the first period with a Rasmus Dahlin snipe from the left circle. A Calgary challenge got the goal overturned for goalie interference, though; moments before the shot, Thompson made contact with netminder Devin Cooley while passing by the crease.