Tonight’s game was a lot more exciting than yesterday’s 1-0 win over the Flyers. The Sabres drew first blood and got off to a fast start forcing the Lightning back on their heels. They let Tampa back in the game slightly but Jhonas Enroth stood tall and the Sabres dragged out the victory.

Game Notes

• Sabres got off to a quick start which was nice to see out-shooting the Lightning 10-7. It was the first time in 12 games the Sabres outshot their opponent in the first period. In addition to outshooting the opposition the Sabres also drew 2 penalties. The Sabres were the quicker and better team in the first.
• The line of Steve Ott, Brian Flynn and Kevin Porter continue to look good together. They were the best line to for the Sabres throughout the game creating numerous offencive chances and combining for the Sabres third goal.
• The Sabres appear to have fixed their power play issues. They had 2 power plays in the first and converted on one of them. Not only did they score a power play goal for the first time in 8 games, their power play actually looked like a power play. They were able to setup in the opposition’s zone and moved the puck back and forth with no trouble. They didn’t force shots and looked very calm with the man advantage.
• Jhonas Enroth had another solid night between the pipes. He faced 33 shots and stopped 32 of them, including a diving save on
  

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  Steven Stamkos. When the Lightning gained momentum Enroth stood strong and shut the door. Has Enroth finally turned the corner to show the Sabres he’s ready to be a starter?

• Doesn’t appear Thomas Vanek has any confidence in his shot right now. He gets a breakaway and drops the puck for teammates and ends the scoring threat. Vanek is continually opting to pass the puck instead of shooting. He did get a nice assist on Ennis’ goal, but when he’s streaking down the wing he needs to take the shot. He’s the Sabres leading scorer for a reason!
• Nice to see Tyler Ennis and Jochen Hecht scoring goals tonight. These two haven’t been extremely productive this season, having them score when the first line isn’t is a huge plus.
• Mike Weber didn’t have the greatest game on the backend tonight. He committed several turnovers, was out-skated numerous times and even had the Lightning goal deflect off him. On the opposite, Weber’s defence partner Chad Ruhwedel had another strong game. In only his second NHL game since signing with the Sabres, Ruhwedel looks confident and strong on the puck.

While it was a convincing win and a huge two points for the boys in blue and gold, it may be too little too late. The Buffalo Sabres are four points back with five games remaining. At least they’ll make it interesting right down to the end.

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Yesterday afternoon the Buffalo Sabres held on with the help of backup netminder Jhonas Enroth and a lucky bounce off a wide Christian Ehrhoff shot from the point to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers.

Later this afternoon, the Buffalo Sabres will play another team with little to play for as the Sabres try to back themselves into the final playoff spot.  Hope for that is still available – but the clearance rack has been geared up and the Sabres are one loss away from being able to mail it in the rest of the season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t all exactly on mail it in mode.  Steven Stamkos and Washington’s Alex Ovechkin are battling in out to the end of the season for the Rocket Richard Trophy as the leading goal scorer in the National Hockey League.  Stamkos currently trails Ovechkin by a single goal.

For the Buffalo Sabres - they are coming off a pretty boring 1-0 shutout of the Philadelphia Flyers.  Despite a spirited first five minutes of the game which included a Patrick Kaleta fist fight – the game died down below a dull roar the rest of the way – which offensively amounted to a goal that game off no shot on the score sheet.  Erhoff’s initial shot went wide – the boards of First Niagara Center getting the first star honors – with Steve Mason surprised by the puck being behind him. Buffalo enters the night six points behind the eight place New York Rangers – with six games remaining.  Buffalo could catch the Rangers, but will need a lot of help – the Rangers hold a game in hand on the Buffalo Sabres, on top of the six point lead.  For the Sabres – Tampa is one of the only teams left without something to fight for on their schedule.

Remaining games on the Buffalo Sabres schedule include teams fighting for positions in the playoff race, and divisional contests.  Pittsburgh might be the only team after today that has nothing left on the table, as they have locked up their division.  They are within distance of the 2013 Presidents Trophy – just two points behind the Chicago Blackhawks.   Despite playing solid in the net for Buffalo – expect Jhonas Enroth to resume his position on the bench – unless Ron Rolston wants to see what his backup can do in back to back situations.  With the faint glimmer of hope remaining, I would put money on Ryan Miller starting tonight’s game.