Buffalo Sabres vs. Detroit Red Wings: Post Game Reaction
March 6, 1994. That was the last Buffalo Sabres regulation win at Joe Louis Arena. I was two months old. Nevermind that. Let’s talk about the biggest surprise of the night. Who had the game-winning goal and assist? Johan Larsson from Mike Weber. Is that not astonishing? Our first win there in over a decade and those are the guys that beat them? Hey, I’ll take that, but that’s not who I was expecting. If that was a #BucciOvertimeChallenge, no one would have gotten that right.
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The game-tying goal was not so surprising. Ryan O’Reilly from Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen is something we have seen before and we will be seeing a lot in the future. Add Jack Eichel and that is one solid core of players that the Sabres will build a team around, it’ll just take a little time. Beating the Red Wings at their home is a good start for hopefully good things to come. It is obvious that they are in games a lot more than the past two years and it’s good to see the progress, even if the results aren’t always there.
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First, the bad. Again, I still see noticeable weaknesses in Matt Moulson‘s game. There has been talk that Moulson was only putting up the points he was because he had Islanders John Tavares. While that is true, I think every player will have some inflated numbers because of the talent Tavares possesses. In 2011-12 season was impressive with 69 points, but Tavares put up 81. They were a dynamic duo. Moulson did suffer through the Sabres hard years and he looked good in that awful situation, but he is no longer a strong part of this Sabres team.
Moulson, making $5 million a year, has produced 4 goals and 8 assists, but continues to get caught making poor plays or getting out muscled off the puck. He needs to step up his offensive game if he wants to be a part of the future of the Buffalo Sabres. Tim Murray isn’t afraid to make draft day trades wrapped up with picks, would it be that crazy to see him leave?
Now, the good. Chad Johnson‘s save with seconds left in the game was awesome. He continues to play solid, even though he does have his games where he is exposed for what everyone, including myself, are saying; he’s a career backup. While, he isn’t a backup right now, he isn’t exactly the starter. He splits time with Linus Ullmark. It will be interesting to see how Robin Lehner comes back because he could be in some deep water if these guys continue to give solid performances. Who knows what the future holds there.
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Lastly, I am interested in seeing how the Sabres respond with a game tomorrow against New Jersey. I hope to see the Sabres come out with energy from all four lines and pour it on early, but the real test is in the third period.