Dec 9, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth (1) makes a save as Los Angeles Kings center Mike Richards (10) tips a shot during the third period at First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Kings 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
My favorite moment in the season was back when Jhonas Enroth finally broke the streak of games going by of the Sabres not having a shutout. After going over 100 games without being able to keep the opponents off the scoresheet, Enroth shutout the Los Angeles Kings in a 1-0 game back in December.
This game is the highlight of the year for me for a couple of reasons. The first being that I cannot stand the LA Kings and I love the Buffalo Sabres, so seeing the team I love shut out the team I dislike gave me a feeling of joy and elation.
The second reason is that Jhonas Enroth finally got what he had been deserving for the last couple of seasons. The defense was aggressive, the goaltending was perfect, and a streak that was looming over the goaltenders’ heads was finally brought to them. This game had it all; hits, big saves, a pretty goal by Zemgus Girgensons, and a shutdown of the defending Stanley Cup Champions (too bad they can’t even defend it this year because they missed the playoffs).
The overall play of the team was a great sight to see, and was proof that they could run with the best if they put in the effort.
That sign going into next season will be the most important thing next to the draft. I never thought Jhonas Enroth would be a starter in the NHL, but I always was a big fan of his. He was a great player for Buffalo, and he was the guy who deserved to have the shutout that night. He had fought through numerous games where he should have had it, but fell short to to poor defensive support.
This was a game that he stole for himself, and it certainly has to be a highlight of his year. As for me, I see it this way. A shutout by a goalie that deserved it, a goal by the fan favorite of Buffalo, potential to be able to play against real teams next season, and a shutout of the team I dislike most in the league.
Put it all together, and that makes the Sabres shutout of the Los Angeles Kings on December 9 my favorite moment of the 2014-2015 season.
Next: Adam Savard, Staff Writer