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Kane Upstages Duchene, Landeskog |
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It was a nationally televised game between the lowly Avs and surging Sabres.
Samson Reinhart and Evander Kane scored for Buffalo.
Reinhart's PPG was the eventual game winner and his 13th goal of the season.
Kane potted his 18th goal of the season late in the third period. It was Kane's NHL leading 17th even strength goal.
Kane was sensational in his 19 minutes of ice time. In fact, I feel like he stole the spotlight away from Duchene and Landeskog who were invisible for large segments of this game. Between them, Duchene and Lanseskog had one shot on goal. Just one. Each Avs star forward played 20 minutes TOI. Duchene and Landeskog mailed in their performances. Seriously, they were disappointing.
Kane graded out far higher Thank Duchene and Landeskog did despite having to sit out Tuesday night's win in Ottawa due to the flu.
Robin Lehner had to make only 23 saves for his second shutout of the season. The tanking Avs were dealt their ninth shutout of this brutally disastrous season. Calvin Pickard made 30 saves for the Avs.
The win pulled Buffalo to within 3 points of Toronto for the second Eastern wild card berth. The Sabres host St. Louis on Saturday and Chicago on Dunday. Then they go on their NHL mandated five day bye week. The Sabres resume their Hectic February schedule with a game in Denver against the Avs in saturday February 25.
The game took a back seat to the list of NHL dignitaries who were in attendance to watch this match live in person.
Representatives from 20 different NHL teams were in the press box in Buffalo to watch Sabres-Avalanche.
Several teams are represented by their GMs and AGMs as well as pro scouting and player development personnel.
Presumably, all temas in atttendance are here to do more homework on potential trade targets Matt Duchene, Gabe Landeskog, Evander Kane, Jarome Iginla and Tyson Barrie.
The NHL Trade Deadline is March 1st and I expect some major fireworks to occur between now and then.
The LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi and a scout were visible.
The Montreal Canadiens have three front office members here.
The Toronto Maple Leafs AGM, pro scouting director and a scout are here.
The Columbus Blue Jax have their Director of Hockey Administration and Director of Player Personnel here.
The Calgary Flames are represented by two scouts.
The Winnipeg Jets have their AGM and a scout here.
Other NHL teams with scouts in the house:
Minnesota Wild, Washington Capitals, Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Penguins,Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers,and Las Vegas.
If it were up to me, I would trade Evander Kane in the next two weeks in a Western New York Minute.
Kane is hotter than a pistol right now. His stock has never been higher as a member of the Sabres. I would trade Kane for a top four defenseman and a prospect. If I were to be assured of getting a premium defender in exchange for Kane, Im going all in. In other words, if I can take possessions of Jake Muzzin, Tyson Barrie, Matt Dumba, Olli Maatta, Noah Hamifin, Shayne Gostisbehere, Ryan Ellis or another top defenseman, you better believe I'm trading Kane.
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