Going into last night, the Hurricanes were 5 points out of a playoff spot and were looking at this game to be a springboard into legitimate playoff contention. Instead, Johann Larsson turned in his (arguably) best game of the season and the Sabres scored two unanswered goals in the third to snatch a 3-2 victory.
Ryan O’Reilly and Evander Kane looked like a dynamic duo, contributing on a great goal in the third to tie the game, with O’Reilly working in his office behind the net to saucer a pass in front to Evander for his 20th of the year.
I love the Magic Hands, Big Z and Reinhart line – they looked strong all night and Jack just appeared so confident on the puck, he settled the team down and always made the right play. We are lucky to have these guys, looking forward to next season. They are already exciting to watch, and are going to be great assets to the team.
Although we are playing for pride right now, I like the heart and camaraderie that the boys are showing and have high hopes for the future.
Ocho-Cinco made some key saves early, particularly on Jeff Skinner in the first to deny the pest a clear look at the net. Then in the third he saved a breakaway chance from the Hurricanes’ Terry who had already scored one earlier in the night.
Although we are playing for pride right now, I like the heart and camaraderie that the boys are showing and have high hopes for the future. Playing the role of spoiler is going to galvanize these guys as a team and build bonds that are important for winning hockey clubs. Guys like David Legwand and Brian Gionta are showing the young guys how to fight every night and be pros. You can tell that the youngsters are quickly maturing; look at Rasmus playing in every game and being in the top 10 in the league in ice-time. These are good signs and it is undeniable that there has been improvement over last year. I also like our defensemen Mark Pysyk and Jake McCabe, they have really improved and look like solid pieces to build on. Nick Deslauriers also looks like a solid third-line winger for the future.
Go Sabres.