The Buffalo Sabres seemed to be heading towards their lowest point of the season as they seemed destined to extend their losing streak to six games. After being tied at one after the first period, the Red Wings would score three straight in about a five minute stretch to take a 4-1 lead midway through the second.
However, the Sabres would finally wake up to score three straight to tie it up in the third period before Mattias Samuelsson would score the overtime winner. This was a big goal for a team that desperately needed something to go their way as it would not only be their first road win of the season but also their first overtime win.
The Sabres were ending a four-game road trip on Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings and coming off a frustrating 6-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. However, the team got some good news before this game as Rasmus Dahlin was set to return after taking a temporary leave of absence to be with his fiancee.
Dahlin made his presence known as he had two assists in the game with an assist on the Josh Doan goal that started the comeback in the second period and the game-winner in overtime by Mattias Samuelsson. This would be only his third game all season with two points.
Tage Thompson put together one of his best periods of hockey when the Buffalo Sabres needed it most
Similar to Dahlin, Tage Thompson has received more than his fair share of criticism this season for his play as the team has struggled. However, in the third period he looked like one of the top forwards in the league as he was moving well and had an incredible goal to beat John Gibson that cut the lead to one.
Thompson finished the game leading the team in shots on goal with six and also earned an assist on Samuelsson's goal in overtime. If the Sabres hope to win consistently they are going to need these types of performances from Thompson and Dahlin on a nightly basis.
It will be interesting to see if this can be a turning point for the team this season as they now head home to play four straight games with very winnable games against Calgary and Chicago in this stretch. An improbable comeback like this can give the team real momentum that can carry over as they try to dig out of the early-season hole they have found themselves in.