Detroit Red Wings Fall To The Buffalo Sabres In The Shootout
By Peter Fish
First Period
Both teams looked like they were still getting ready for the game throughout the first period, but there were a few good plays for both teams.
The Buffalo Sabres took it to the Detroit Red Wings in the first five minutes of the period and Chris Stewart was able to get a quick shot off that hit the crossbar.
Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Justin Abdelkader showed off their chemistry by getting a few good chances for Detroit and turning the table on the Sabres.
The Detroit Red Wings had two power plays in the first period, but were not able to capitalize due to missed shots.
The Detroit Red Wings fourth line put a lot of pressure on the Sabres when on the ice.
Shots:
DET – 10
BUF – 7
Score
Detroit Red Wings: 0
Buffalo Sabres: 0
Second Period
To start the second period the referees decided that they would call everything that remotely looked like a penalty. Joakim Andersson went off the ice for a weak interference call, Darren Helm was called for hooking, Matt Moulson was called on a weak interference call as well, and then Johan Franzen was called for tripping.
Neither team was able to capitalize on the power play, but just after Franzen’s penalty ended, Brian Flynn was able to find the back of the net for Buffalo.
Datsyuk/Zetterberg fly by. Howard sprawled on the ice.
Tomas Tatar tied the game with a snap shot from the left dot after creating some room for himself on the ice.
A lot of the credit from his goal could go to Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Justin Abdelkader, Brendan Smith, and Danny DeKeyser who wore out the Sabres on the ice by controlling the puck in the Sabres zone and creating turnovers. Due to the long change, the Sabres were not able to change and Tatar took advantage of the tired Sabres on the ice.
Both teams had chances to end the period, but neither team was able to make them count.
Shots:
DET – 17
BUF – 13
Score
Detroit Red Wings: 1
Buffalo Sabres: 1
Third Period
Justin Abdelkader came streaking down the boards and drew the defense to him to free Pavel Datsyuk in the middle of the ice. Abdelkader was able to get the puck over to him and Datsyuk did what Datsyuk does.
He deked out Michael Nuevirth and stuck the puck top shelf to give Detroit the lead.
The Buffalo Sabres wore down the Red Wings’ fourth line late in the second period and a few lackadaisical plays with the puck led to the Sabres getting a chance on net that hit Brendan Smith’s shin pad and slid past Jimmy Howard to tie the game.
You could see a bad result coming a mile away on this play and it ended up being Chris Stewart’s first goal of the season.
The Detroit Red Wings’ top line put more pressure on the Sabres to end the period, but they were not able to force the puck into the net.
Shots:
DET – 34
BUF – 21
Score
Detroit Red Wings: 2
Buffalo Sabres: 2
Overtime
The Detroit Red Wings controlled the overtime period and Datsyuk drew a hooking call that led to a four on three power play.
Henrik Zetterberg sent a blast at the net that went in, but was called back due to Johan Franzen establishing his position in the crease on the shot.
The Detroit Red Wings had more chances to throughout the period, but could not get the puck through Neuvirth and into the net.
The Buffalo Sabres were dominated in overtime and did not register a shot on net, but were strong enough defensively to stave off the Wings’ attack.
Goals:
Detroit Red Wings: 2
Buffalo Sabres: 2
Shots:
DET – 39
BUF – 21
Shootout
Moulson saved by Howard
Datsyuk saved by Neuvirth.
Ennis scores on Howard.
Nyquist scores on Neuvirth.
Girgensons scores on Howard.
Zetterberg stopped by Neuvirth.
Score
Detroit Red Wings: 2
Buffalo Sabres: 3
That is the game, the Buffalo Sabres get their first win on home ice and the Detroit Red Wings pick up a point for the standings.
A disappointing loss for Detroit.
Top Players for Detroit
Pavel Datsyuk: In six games, Datsyuk has ten points. He is on fire.
Jimmy Howard: He came up big throughout the game; he made the stop he was supposed to and a few more.
The Fourth line: One of the better line for Detroit throughtout the entire game, even though they let up the tying goal, they deserve to be recognized for their efforts.
Forgettable Players for Detroit
Brian Lashoff: Was he even on the ice? As long as Quincey is out he will be Detroit’s sixth defenseman and he needs to be better than he was against Buffalo.
The Detroit Red Wings have a chance to rebound on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators.