The Buffalo Sabres (28-35-6) came into Canada Life Centre to face the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 23) and weathered a strong Jets attack, winning 5-3.
The Jets (48-19-4), who are coming off of an overtime win over the Edmonton Oilers, lost out on their first chance at clinching a playoff spot on home ice. The loss was largely on the back of the inability to convert chances, and because of an outstanding goaltending performance from James Reimer.
Game Recap
The Sabres opened the scoring just under the halfway mark of the opening frame on a goal from JJ Peterka. He walked into the slot and ripped one past Jets’ netminder Eric Comrie to make it 1-0 on his 22nd goal of the season.
Nino Niederreiter tied things up early in the second period, banging home a power-play goal past Reimer to make it 1-1. It was Niederreiter’s first goal since Feb. 4, snapping a lengthy drought.
The Sabres took a 2-1 lead late in the second period on a blast from Rasmus Dahlin. The goal came on just the seventh shot of the day for the Sabres, who at that point, were being outshot 24-6.
Tyson Kozak, who was born in Souris, Manitoba, put the Sabres up 3-1 with just over 12 minutes left in the third period. His second of the season was cheered loudly by a sizable group of family and friends who were able to attend Kozak’s first game in his home province.
Less than 30 seconds later, Colin Miller brought the Jets back to within one goal on a laser wrist shot from in tight. He roofed it over Reimer to make it 3-2.
The Sabres took a 4-2 lead on a shorthanded tally from Alex Tuch with just under seven minutes left in the third. He managed to get behind two Jets defenders and beat Comrie on the blocker side.
Nikolaj Ehlers brought the deficit back to one goal, wiring a slapshot past Reimer from the left circle to make it 4-3. It was Ehlers’ 23rd of the season and injected some life back into the Jets who seemed to be getting frustrated after being unable to convert despite plenty of chances.
Ryan McLeod added an empty netter as the Sabres knocked off the Jets 5-3, spoiling a chance for the Jets to officially clinch a playoff spot.
Reimer was the difference maker in the game, stopping 33 of 36 shots in the win. Comrie took the loss after allowing four goals on 17 shots.
Up Next
The Sabres head home to face the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, Mar. 25, while the Jets remain at home and welcome Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals for the second of four games at home, also on Tuesday.
