Shutting out the Calgary Flames
The Sabres hit crossroads before their tilt with Calgary. Following two unforgettable wins, the Sabres skated into Edmonton, where the Oilers embarrassed them in a 6-1 thrashing. The next night, they headed into Calgary to face a Pacific-leading Flames team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
And while Craig Anderson got much of the glory in March after notching his 300th win, the Epic in Calgary was Dustin Tokarski’s night. A journeyman goaltender who spent most of his career floating in and out of the AHL, Tokarski had a night to remember, stopping 24 shots in 62:53 of ice time.
It was also a game where the Sabres, despite failing to find twine until Tage Thompson’s game-winning goal recorded ten more shots on goal than the Flames, with 34. They also won 49% of their face-offs, and took advantage of 17 giveaways from the Flames.
While the Sabres only won by a point, on paper, they manhandled the Flames. The shutout was also the team’s first since October 25th, 2019.