The Buffalo Sabres jumped out to a 4-0 lead before the home team could get much going as Ryan Miller and the Sabres topped the Carolina Hurricanes at the RBC on Sunday evening, 5-3.
After a tight first period which ended 1-0, the Sabres notched three goals in a row in the second to make the score 4-0 before the period was half way over. Jochen Hecht did most of the damage as he scored on a wrap around and a breakaway.
Paul Maurice pulled goalie Justin Peters after the fourth goal and put in Manny Legace, who was less than 100% after leaving the game early the previous night with an injury.
The Canes scored just 12 seconds later, making the score 4-1 as Sergei Samsonov tipped in a Brett Carson shot, but the damage was already done.
The Sabres added another goal, making it 5-1 before the end of a brutal period for the Canes.
The home team could have rolled over in the third period. They were down 5-1 and had just played the day before, but to their credit they continued to battle back, just like they have all year long.
Brandon Sutter would score early in the third as Ryan Miller misplayed a puck and Eric Staal would score a late powerplay goal as the Canes tried to make things interesting, but a comeback was not meant to be.
Jamie McBain picked up an assist on Staal's goal, extending his point streak to four games.
Carolina will take a day off the ice on Monday and will travel to Tampa Bay for their next game on Tuesday night.
Game Notes:
- Zach Boychuk told the media after the game that the team was told between periods to shoot more. They were trying too hard to make the perfect play and passed a bit too much.
- Paul Maurice told Justin Peters not to let this game bother him. Part of being a good NHL goalie is having the ability to shake off a bad game, and this is one Peters would probably like to forget.
- Brian Pothier led the Canes with five blocked shots. The team had a total of 10.
- Eric Staal had a team high seven shots on goal.
- Carolina was credited with 35 hits on the game led by Brind'Amour, Cole, and Ruutu who had four each.
I took some video of Zach Boychuk and Brandon Sutter interviews after the game.