The Buffalo Sabres hit the road Friday night, falling 3-2 to the Winnipeg Jets.
Buffalo’s offense struggle for a long time in this contest, before finally finding their footing in the third period.

The defense didn’t have it’s best night however, allowing three goals on limited shot attempts.

Goaltender Eric Comrie didn’t play too well either in his first game back from injury, saving just 15 of his 18 shots faced.

After trailing 3-1 entering the final period, the Sabres offense would attempt to comeback, but their attempt would fall just short, losing their third straight game 3-2.

1st period

The game started off promising, with both teams trading good chances early in the opening few minutes, before the offenses started to slow down significantly.
However, the Sabres were able to edge out the Jets and show their offensive upside, but Jets Connor Hellebuyck kept it tied at zero.

By the end of the period the Jets offense had started to step up their game, but the game remained scoreless as the two teams headed to their respective locker rooms.

2nd period

Winnipeg would build off their offensive success from the end of the first period, as Cole Perfetti scored just over two minutes into the period to give Winnipeg a 1-0 lead.

A few minutes later, Winnipeg forward Mason Appleton would find an opening and crash the net to tip in a perfect pass from teammate Nino Niederreiter to extend their lead to two goals.

However, Buffalo would respond rather quickly, as forward Alex Tuch scored just 23 seconds after the Appleton goal to bring the deficit back down to just one.

A few minutes later, Winnipeg’s offense would get back to work, generating some good chances before Nikolaj Ehlers scored to put the Jets back up by two.

After the offensive explosion, the two teams would start to lay back and play defense, before the offenses started to get going again late.

The teams would trade chances late, but the goaltenders would keep it 3-1 heading into the second intermission.

3rd period

Buffalo’s offense started the third period off hot, applying pressure quickly.
Forward J.J. Peterka found a seem and took the puck to the net, beating Hellebuyck to bring Buffalo within one just a minute into the period.

From that point on, Buffalo’s offense would continue to apply pressure, but Winnipeg held on to the lead late into the period.

The Sabres wouldn’t go away though, as the team continued to generate chances, but couldn’t seem to find a way to score.

Near the end of the game, the team would take a costly penalty that would allow Winnipeg to remain at 5-on-5 when Buffalo pulled their goaltender.

The Sabres took a couple of last second shots, but ultimately fell 3-2 on the road in heartbreaking fashion.

Takeaways

Overall, Buffalo’s offense had a solid night, keeping the game close, especially near the end.

However, the defense and goaltending let the team down as Buffalo lost its third straight contest.

Buffalo now moves to 7-9-1 on the season, and is tied for last in their division.

The Sabres will look to finally snap their losing skid on Sunday when they take on rookie phenom Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.