The Senators went on the power play three times on Tuesday night. They went 0 for 3, as the Buffalo Sabres defense came on strong. They defeated Ottawa, 5-1, and it was the defense that carried and physical play that carried them to victory.
Outside of the outstanding penalty kill they had 37 hits on the evening and starting goalie, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had 37 saves. His save percentage was .974%. The physicality of the team had been missing through the first 12 games of the season.
Bowen Byram, who scored two goals on the night, spoke with reporters about the team's physical presence. “I think it’s very important,” Byram said of the Sabres’ physicality. “They have some big, strong, tough dudes over there. But I think we got a competitive team and no one’s going to back down.”
Jordan Greenway had four hits on the night and was the team's imposing force in the victory
One of the hits led Greenway to a fight with captain of Senators, Brady Tkachuk. It was during the first period and set the tone for what followed. JJ Peterka scored on the following power play to put Buffalo up 1-0. It was a lead they did not relinquish.
The first period also saw an important save from Luukkonen, which would have led to the Senators tying the game. Buffalo also forced three turnovers on the night. If Buffalo has any chance of turning the season around, they will need to continue the physicality on display.
The 37 hits on the night was the most they have had this season during a game. They had eight more hits in the game against Ottawa than the last two losses against the Islanders and Red Wings combined.
“I think just overall, whole team, I think every line today was just going. I think every line brought a lot of energy. Just great to see after the last three losses that we respond like that, said JJ Peterka after the game. Peterka added two goals and an assist.
A week ago, Lindy Ruff chose to make a change on the line involving Dylan Cozens. Switching it up and adding him to the wing, has seemed to pay off with what Cozens has brought defensively. Last night the 23-year-old had five hits in the win.
It seemed at times that Buffalo imposed their will on Ottawa. If they want to continue that, all of Sabres faithful will be with them. They play on Thursday against the New York Rangers.