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Buffalo continues to win out West

Sabres 3 (OT) – Ducks 2 HC Cronin of the Ducks called last night a slow start as his team scored four minutes into the game to take the 1-0 lead on just 6 SOG heading into the second period.

There were six minutes remaining in the second period when Anaheim increased their lead to 2-0 on a flukey up and over tipped shot from the point that Sabres G Luukkonen could not stop.

And that was the end of Anaheim’s night as Buffalo with less than two minutes remaining in the second period scores twice in 50 seconds to tie the game 2-2 taking momentum into the third period.

After whistling 5 roughing, 2 fighting, and 1 delay of game penalties during the first two periods of play both R Rank and Luxmore put their whistles away for the third period as apparently no infractions were going to be committed by either team.

Overtime lasts nearly the full-time allotment as Sabres rookie C Kulich scores his second of the season and his second career goal in his first 12 regular season games as Buffalo takes 4 SOG during overtime to earn the two road points.

Tomorrow’s San Jose’s afternoon game is an early evening start for viewers here along the Lake as the Sabres look to sweep their California opponents versus rookie sensation C Celebrini and the Sharks.

Entertaining Barnburner in Ohio

Blue Jackets 7 (OT) – Lightning 6 Columbus fans watched their team take 22 SOG (43 SOG for the game) and score four times during the second period in a game not for the faint of heart.

Tampa Bay took a 3-0 lead with eight minutes remaining in the first period before Columbus got one back ending the first period 3-1 for the Lightning.

It took the Blue Jackets less than the first two minutes of the second period to tie the game at three, scoring at even strength and on the power play, but Tampa Bay scored 15 seconds immediately after that to retake the lead.

Again, in the second period, the Blue Jackets score twice in less than two minutes to take their first lead of the game 5-4 and incredibly 54 seconds later the Lightning score again to tie the game at five to end the second period.

Columbus scores and takes the 6-5 lead just past the halfway point of the third period but Tampa Bay this time takes only 44 seconds to score and tie the game at six which forces the teams into overtime.

Both teams took 1 SOG in 86 seconds during the overtime frame with the Blue Jackets shot scoring, winning the game and the hearts of Columbus fans in attendance.

Notable Production

Columbus D Werenski made Blue Jackets history by becoming their first defenseman to record five points in a game.

Buffalo shut down and shut out Los Angeles

Sabres 1 – Kings 0 Buffalo and LA both won on each other’s ice for a split in their season series, in last night’s effort the Sabres (UPL & RW Tuch return from injury) penalty killers prevented success during five Kings’ power plays.

The Referees for the game, R Hamilton who is an experienced AHL referee under an NHL contract and rookie R Hanson who has only officiated five NHL games total.

These referees whistled five penalties from the 4:34 mark of the second period until halfway through the third period in a tight low scoring game giving the Kings at home four power plays to the Sabres one chance (overall, the Kings had 5 PP to the Sabres 3).

A hard-fought road victory to get the Sabres back to 500% in the standings playing 5-5-0 in their last ten games earning a positive goal differential as well, the three game West Coast trip continues 10 o’clock Friday night in Anaheim.

Official’s non-call suspiciously blatant

Rangers 4 – Canucks 3 Vancouver is having difficulties winning at home compared to their outstanding road record of 6-1-0, so as discussed in length about favoritism in officiating a look at last night’s example highlights this opinion.

During last night’s contest Referee Furman South had vision problems watching a Ranger’s breakaway develop as the Canuck’s player obviously hooks the New York forward.

At https://scoutingtherefs.com/2022-23-nhl-referee-stats/ you can research for yourself that Referee South calls penalties against the home team at a 47% rate with 53.8% rate of power plays for the home team.

This is what the NHL wants their officials to do, (historical perspective) to ensure the home crowd will still purchase tickets to attend the game before technology made attendance a moot point. (highlighted by the covid drama).

Realistically NHL teams do not depend on ticket and concession sales for financial stability as they once did, a plethora of streaming services paying the NHL so that anyone anywhere can watch an NHL game is the big money now.

There is nothing quite as enjoyable as attending an NHL game although the league has priced itself out of the reach of regular working people with a family.

Observing any arena’s ticket price list for a family of five that is not in SRO or the nosebleed section, and then factor in some popcorn, a beer (over 10$ for one can) or soda and you are looking at hundreds of dollars (even if you opt for the cheapest seats) that most lower income fans balk at.

Last week’s answer: C Skrudland two-time Stanley Cup champion with Montreal and Dallas did not wear #99, wore numbers 10, 20, and 39.

Everyone should know that Wayne Gretzky wore number 99, but most do not know that LW Dudley wore number 99 with Winnipeg during the 80-81 NHL season, and RW Wilf Paiement wore number 99 with Toronto during the 79-82 NHL seasons.

In keeping with sweater numbers this week’s question is Which Buffalo Sabres goaltender wore number #00 before the NHL decided to disallow double zero on NHL sweaters?

A) Tom Barrasso

B) Darren Puppa

C) Roger Crozier

D) Martin Biron