3 Takeaways From the Sabres’ 3-1 Game 3 Win Over the Bruins

The mood was understandably much different after Game 2 than it was after Game 1 for the Buffalo Sabres. If anything, concern became the name of the game going into Thursday’s Game 3, especially considering the Sabres had failed to score in the first two periods of either game.

Things were once again tight in this one, and well in doubt until late. Yet in a tough, hostile road environment, the young Sabres found a way to get the job done and take a 2-1 series lead heading into the weekend.

Alex Tuch: Certifiable Dawg

We’ve heard a lot about how Tage Thompson has stepped up and rightfully so. That being said, the very best player for the Sabres in this series has arguably been Alex Tuch. He has consistently played the kind of hard-nosed two-way game that excels in the playoffs.

He scored again in Game 3, his second game-winner of the series (his empty net goal in Game 1 wound up being the difference). Among the top six forwards, he has been the physical presence with 16 hits through three games, setting the pace in that regard.

The Sabres have had to work extra hard to get the offense they have managed in this series and Tuch has been one of the key drivers. If the Sabres are going to win this series, Tuch figures to play a massive role in that regard.

The Power Play is an Albatross

This was initially going to be a criticism of the Sabres’ special teams, but the penalty kill has been very good and the real problem in that regard is that the team is taking way too many penalties. If there is a problem with special teams – and make no mistake, it’s not an “if” – it is the power play.

The unit went 0-for-5 on Thursday, running the total in this series up to 0-for-14 (and counting). They haven’t scored a power play goal since Mar. 31. They can barely figure out zone entries, let alone generate real chances.

Something is clearly not working and hasn’t for a long time. They lean heavily on Rasmus Dahlin from the point and Thompson’s bomb of a shot from the left hash. Past that, there isn’t a lot going on. If the Sabres are going to exceed expectations, the power play has to contribute rather than serve to perpetually frustrate.

Alex Lyon Was a Difference-Maker

Gutsy as the performance of guys like Tuch and Noah Ostlund (making his NHL playoff debut because of a Josh Norris injury) were, the real difference-maker for the Sabres in Game 3 was goaltender Alex Lyon.

He was outstanding from start to finish, turning aside a plethora of high-danger chances from the Bruins throughout the night. He turned aside 24 of the 25 Bruins shots, showing a steadiness that the Sabres had been missing in goal over the first two games.

After seeing the clear goaltending advantage go to the Bruins in the first two games, it was nice to see Lyon tilt the ice in favor of the Sabres. He will need to continue to be excellent so long as the Sabres continue to struggle to consistently generate scoring chances.

Hard-Fought Win

There is still a lot to be frustrated about, like their inability to create chances in the middle of the ice, but a win is a win. The Sabres have done a lot right defensively and matching (if not exceeding) the Bruins’ physicality, one of their calling cards.

If they can’t find a way to make life harder on Swayman and generate something on the power play, this is going to be a long series. Even one man-advantage goal could swing things significantly in a pivotal Game 4 on Sunday.