Buffalo Sabres storm to a scoring frenzy without Tuch, Dahlin
By Sion Fawkes
Sunday couldn’t have started off worse for the Buffalo Sabres, as it was revealed they would need to roll without two star players.
The Buffalo Sabres could have folded in this one when they learned winger Alex Tuch would miss extended time with a lower body injury and Rasmus Dahlin was day-to-day. But leave it to Dylan Cozens to step up and lead the Blue and Gold to a remarkable 7-4 win on their home ice over the Washington Capitals.
Cozens’ hat trick helped seal the deal in what was an all-out scorefest. But Cozens wasn’t alone, as Tage Thompson knotted his 40th goal of the year, Jeff Skinner snagged his 25th, Zemgus Girgensons his eighth, and Vinnie Hinostroza, his first. Hino’s goal was extra special, as he’d been waived a few weeks back to the Rochester Americans.
However, Tuch’s injury created a spot for Hinostroza, and the veteran forward took advantage of his opportunity, as he helped set up Cozens’ third goal of the matinee. Overall, it was a test the Sabres needed to pass if they wanted to keep themselves in a prominent position in the wild card race, and so far, they’re one for one.
Buffalo Sabres took advantage of Washington’s weaknesses
The Sabres were stingy in this one, earning 11 takeaways over the Capitals while the latter, unless something changes in the official game statistics, notched zero. And better yet, the Blue and Gold managed to turn those takeaways into goals.
Buffalo also saw plenty of weak spots in the Caps defense, specifically the middle of the ice and in front of the crease. Washington had no answer for the Sabres, and it led to a seven-goal onslaught, bringing their total tally up to 220 for the season, or 3.79 per game.
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In what initially looked like a trying month, given the mess the Sabres were between February 1st and the 21st, Buffalo has since won three straight, all against playoff-caliber teams. And now, they will close out February at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who appear to be in the running for the Connor Bedard sweepstakes.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)
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