BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The win streak continues. The Buffalo Sabres topped the Las Vegas Knights 4-2 on Tuesday to improve to 21-19-7 on the season. Linus Ullmark stopped 19 shots in the win. The Sabres will be on the road Thursday when they take on the Dallas Stars.
5 Observations from tonight's game
Eichel. No explanation needed.
Jack Eichel is good and we all know it. With his goal tonight, he ties his career high with 28. He's also once again streaking, recording at least a point in eight straight games and tonight, tallied two with a goal and an assist. Combined with the 17-game point streak he recorded back in November-December, Eichel becomes the fifth player to record two separate point streaks of eight games or more this season. Eichel now has 61 points this season and there's still 35 games left on the schedule.
A drought ends with major help from another
Entering tonight's game, Okposo was on a 10-game scoreless drought, the second longest scoring drought among the team's forwards (only behind Johan Larsson). The goal came on the power play nearly midway through the second period but it may not have been a goal if it wasn't for an outstanding effort from Conor Sheary. As William Karlsson was taking it the other way, Sheary robbed him and the puck eventually got to Okposo who notched his fifth of the year.
Control without the results
Seven minutes. That's how long the Buffalo Sabres went without allowing a shot on goal from the Golden Knights. They had nearly complete control of the puck in the first period with an effort that would normally result in a win. The only problem was a zero on the scoreboard after the first twenty minutes. With a 13-4 shot advantage, the Sabres needed a result and they didn't get it. The good news is they capitalized later in the game.
The good and the bad of Dahlin
There was really good and then really bad. Let's start with the good. We've seen what Dahlin can do on the ice and the second year defenseman just keeps on impressing. At the 12:00 mark of the first period, Dahlin made not one but two slick moves on Reilly Smith and then Brayden McNabb (you can see those moves in the video below). If he had managed to score, it probably would've been in the running for the "most beautiful goal" award.
ooooook @rasmusdahlin00 😯 pic.twitter.com/DVJq2Lo4mf
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 15, 2020
Now the bad. In the early parts of the 2nd period, Dahlin got undressed by Chandler Stephenson whose shot then went off two players and into the net. Of course it didn't help that Ullmark couldn't get back in position but the initial move from Stephenson wasn't a great start.
Short hiatus
If you're eager to watch the Sabres play at home again, you'll have to wait a while. The team plays two road games on Thursday and Saturday before they head into the All-Star break. Their next home game isn't until the 28th when they host Ottawa. Picking up points and ending this stretch on a high note is crucial with a week-long break ahead. Not to mention, it comes at a good time with some players trying to battle their way back from injury and help this team compete for a spot in the postseason.
