Final Score: Sabres 5 – Blue Jackets 3
Game Summary
That was a disappointing 40 minutes of hockey. The Jackets started off the game well opening up a 3-0 first period lead. After that though it was all downhill, the Sabres switched goalies in the first intermission and Robin Lehner came in and locked things down. He shutout the Jackets as the Sabres came roaring back with four goals and an empty netter to get the win.
Not to excuse the poor play, but the Jackets were playing most of the game down a defencemen as Ryan Murray was hurt early in the first. Murray had missed the previous two games, and on one of his first couple shifts, he blocked shot and broke his hand. The Jackets were forced to shuffle their d-pairs around and it showed. Long-term this is why Kyle Quincey was acquired, to fill in in case something like this happened.
As for the game, the first period was basically perfect. David Savard got it going with a rip for the first goal of the game.
David Savard starts the party off right. Goals in back to back games for him. Sneaky little shot. 1-0. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/hMF4ImW7EO
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) March 12, 2017
Nick Foligno followed up with a great dangle to make it 2-0.
Dangle. Snipe. Celly. Foligno with one hell of a play on this goal. 2-0 Jackets. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/gD1TrcSp1n
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) March 12, 2017
Oliver Bjorkstrand made it 3-0 and it felt like the rout was on.
Blue Jackets lead 3-0 after 20 minutes in Buffalo. Gagner sets up Bjorkstrand for the latest tally. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/tqZj1swKs5
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) March 12, 2017
After that though the Jackets became unravelled. Buffalo started pushing back with opportunities and with physical play. They pushed the Jackets around which is rare and they had them on their heels for the rest of the night.
The Jackets almost tied the game at the very end but Lehner made an incredible game saving save.
Robin Lehner just preserved the Sabres win with this save on Cam Atkinson in the closing moments of the 3rd. Dear lord. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/snydW4S52y
— SB (@Sam_Blazer) March 12, 2017
This was the icing on the cake of what was a very frustrating game for the Blue Jackets.
Stat of the Night
.@89SGagner w/ 2 assists in the 1st (9th multi-pt). His 43 points on campaign are 3rd most in his career (49 in '07-08, 47 in '11-12). #CBJ
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) March 12, 2017
Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.
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