Postgame: Canucks vs Sabres... The 82-0 Dream Continues
Canucks came into Thursday's game still undefeated with a 3-0-0 record. What makes that record even more impressive is that the Canucks have yet to hold a lead in any single one of their games. Buffalo came into town missing some key pieces in their lineups like youngster Jack Eichel and Evander Kane, the bruising power forward. With a 1-1-1 record, the Sabres have exceeded expectations seeing as they are missing key cogs of their roster.
Jacob Markstrom started for Vancouver as Ryan Miller is still out with tightness. While in the Buffalo crease, netminder Robin Lehner started for the Sabres.
The game started with a lack of flow and rhythm, whistles galore and no quality chances. As the second period came around the Canucks started dictating play and started finding themselves some good chances around Lehner but were not able to convert. Midway through the second with the Sutter Hansen Granlund line buzzing all game Brandon Sutter was streaking down the wing and put a low wrist shot on Lehner which popped out to Jannik Hansen who potted his 100th career goal.
Third period Sabres cameout with a bit of jump and teams were trading chances left and right. Markstrom stood tall making a very good save sequence on Kyle Okposo in close. Midway through the third the Canucks drew a penalty and the Sedin unit went out looking to capitalize. Sedins did what the Sedins do best and after a beautiful passing play right in front of the net, it was Daniel who was able to slot it in over Lehner's outstretched pad to add the insurance marker. Shortly after though, Nicholas Baptiste threw a puck on net and after a couple bounces it found its way into the net after redirecting of Canucks own, Alex Edler. The play went under review however and the call on the ice stood, it was a good goal. As the game dwindled down to the final minutes the Sabres were pressing but could not amount any glorious chances. As the buzzer went to end the game, the Canucks remained undefeated. 2-1 victory over the Sabres.
Canucks now head on a mini road trip down to south California to face off first against the Kings on Saturday and the Ducks on Sunday.