Quinn Scores Three Points, Ellis Gets the Victory

Score: Buffalo Sabres 4-2 Detroit Red Wings
Shots: BUF 31-28 DET

Buffalo Sabres Goals: Zucker 4th (Quinn, Timmins) Kozak 2nd (Quinn, Samuelsson) Quinn 3rd PPG (McLeod, Byram) Doan 3rd (McLeod Timmins)
Detroit Red Wings Goals: Compher 1st (Johansson,  Berggren) Finnie 3rd (Larkin, Raymond)

Plus 1: Finally a Fine First

Detroit took two early penalties in this one and the Sabres got good chances on both. Five shots in total but no dice against the Wings’ John Gibson. Meanwhile, at the other end, Buffalo waiver wire rookie Colten Ellis did not face a shot until over ten minutes in. A nice save, thankfully! I had a dreadful feeling the first would go in. Shot were 8-1 for the Sabres at that point.

The Red Wings got some momentum after the TV timeout, buzzing the Buffalo zone for a few shifts. The Sabres answered with a few good chances as well. They controlled the territorial advantage for most of the period. Ellis saved their bacon in the final minute though, stopping Marco Kasper on a breakaway. Zach Benson took a slashing penalty moments later, but the majority of the penalty carried over until the 2nd period. Shots were 11-5 in favor of Buffalo in the first frame. They looked like the better team, just no finish like we have seen so much of this young season.

Even Steven 1: Two Goals Each

The Sabres killed off the penalty to start the 2nd, still looking strong in that area. They did not even give up a shot. But Detroit kept pressing. Ellis made a nice save but the rebound went out to the top of the circle. Another shot/pass came in but it was corraled by old friend J.T. Compher. He make a nice move in close on Ellis and tucked it home.

The Sabres then got another power play but again could not solve Gibson. Ellis then stopped a 2nd breakaway by Dylan Larkin soon after. The saved bacon was extra crispy on that one. Buffalo FINALLY cashed in on a fast break, with Jason Zucker and Jack Quinn working some magic on a 2 on 1. Zucker’s tipped pass still made it to Quinn and he worked it right back to Zuck as he cut in front and roofed it home. It was Jason’s team leading 4th goal of the year from Quinn and Timmins. The Sabres needed that one, giving the frustrated crowd some life. The energy in the building really erupted as Tyson Kozak scored on another rush, his 2nd goal in two games. Jack Quinn again and Mattias Samuelsson picked up the assists.

Detroit would tie it late after the Sabres won a draw in the Wings’ zone and gave it away. Buffalo’s defense was lackadaisical getting back and Rasmus Dahlin seemed to drift away from his man and the play itself. Finnie would get his 3rd of the year beating Ellis. Team defense on that goal was bizarre as almost nobody in Blue and Gold was showing good position or hockey smarts. A tough goal to give up late. Shots were 26 to 16 in favor of the Sabres after two.

Plus 2: Bacon Sandwich Time!

Zucker would go to the dressing room in the 2nd after his goal and we were told in the 3rd he would not return. Another injured player thrown on the pile. Buffalo got an early power play but they were completely ineffecive.. UNTIL Jack Quinn scored with seconds to go with a blast from the slot. The Sabres got some good movement late in the man advantage and had Detroit scrambling. Ryan McLeod and Bo Byram picked up the helpers on that PP goal.

Ellis later made a ridiculous slide across the crease save on Alex Debrincat. That’s enough bacon for a BLT sandwich now, rookie! Hope you are hungry. Not long after, our new darling Josh Doan cashed in to push the lead to two goals. His slapper from the top of the circle after a nice feed from McLeod was a huge killer for Motown. Ellis then backstopped Buffalo the rest of the way. He was solid and focused. He made several key, and I mean KEY saves until the final horn. His family was in attendance and he put on a show for them. Ellis stopped 26 of 28 shots to earn his first NHL victory in his first NHL game. Way to go, kid.

Final Thoughts:

Jack Quinn had himself the game he needed to get going. Three points with a goal and some slick passing plays. McLeod and Timmins each picked up two assists.

Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch each had some chances (including some posts) but they both remained cold. Jiri Kulich was quiet in this game as well.

UPL finished and won his game with Rochester on his conditioning stint. The Amerks beat Syracuse 4-2.

The Sabres next have a home and home series with Toronto, starting Friday night at Keybank Center. Faceoff at 7:30 pm.