The only game on the NHL slate tonight was the last road game of the season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the evening ended in victory for the visitors in Buffalo, NY. The Sabres did make pushes throughout the night, and finished ahead in shots 35-30 and even strength shot attempts. Buffalo’s biggest moment came in the final moments of a 5-on-3 powerplay, as the passing clicked and the home team tied the game in the second period.
But from there? A combination of individual scoring prowess and excellent goaltending pushed Columbus to pick up another two points.
The Great: Joonas Korpisalo
One of the good stories coming into the game: the NHL debut of Buffalo goalie Jason Kasdorf, an RPI product. The big story to finish the game: Joonas Korpisalo.
The Buffalo Sabres finished the night with 35 shots on net. Korpisalo was up to the task throughout the game, only allowing the aforementioned powerplay tally. Buffalo came in waves, and the Finn ended with a clean slate at even strength, and a .971 SV% on the evening.
From a Columbus perspective, a lot of the early season trouble came from abysmal save percentages. In that way, it’s bittersweet to see the tables turn this late. There’s so much to think about. Korpisalo was outstanding in his NHL stint, so that’s a bright spot going forward… but he has a small sample of games, so there’s risk of being over-optimistic, so we’ll have to stay tuned. My mind then wanders to think about SV% helping the winless 0-8 start that doomed this season… but it all comes in a too-late, no-playoffs world.
For tonight, though? Another shining game for Korpisalo.
The Very Good: Brandon Saad
Here’s another bittersweet blend of individual accomplishment during a bad team season. Saad lived up to his billing almost all year, and today brought the latest milestone for the former Blackhawk: a 30 goal season.
tic-tac-top shelf pic.twitter.com/uoJsqorNcw
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 9, 2016
Credit to Wennberg and Bjorkstrand for picking up assists, especially the great primary pass. Also credit to Saad for finding the right spot, and unleashing his fantastic shot. This point only continues to build on Saad’s career high goal-scoring year. The winger is now one point away from tying his career-high, and one point off the team point scoring lead. More Saad fun: he was ever-alert, and used an uncharacteristic big hit to help contribute to puck-stripping.
Saad is only 23, and already a clear first line talent. He’s a great building block, and hopefully the Blue Jackets can put the right talent around him.
The Fast: Jack Eichel
Eichel got an assist on the Buffalo goal. More importantly what we saw from him: my goodness he’s fast. Eichel sped down the ice to break up a Dubinsky PK play and turn around the puck for the eventual Reinhart tally. Eichel also got in a thrilling footrace with Saad, and was all over the ice.
Reinhart from Eichel. You know you want to see that again.https://t.co/rEBmZr8YNc
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 9, 2016
There are obvious flashes of why Eichel went 2nd overall in last year’s draft. He’s phenomenal fun, and that high-end Buffalo talent should be great viewing for all hockey fans in the near future.
Tweet of the Game
Noted Franchise Hero Matt Calvert had the first goal of the game on a glorious snipe, complete with wonderful PING off the goalpost and into the net. The Tweet of the Game explains that feeling.
mfw Calvert scores pic.twitter.com/BJ4odkMiUq
— Psion (known dark mode enthusiast) (@ProjectPsion) April 8, 2016
Blue Jackets play game 82 tomorrow night in Columbus. It’s against the Blackhawks.
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