Game of the Night: December 21st

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This Friday marked the return to Buffalo of former Sabres Daniel Briere and Martin Biron for the first time since they joined the Flyers. Their reunion did not turn out as they would have liked, as they fell to the home team 3-2.

This game was long anticipated, especially for Sabres fans such as myself. It's safe to say that the team has suffered from the losses of Briere and Drury, and Marty Biron has proven himself worthy of stepping out from behind Ryan Miller and assuming a starting role.

Just a year ago, Buffalo dominated the Flyers, winning 3 of the 4 matchups over the season, including a 9-1 blowout that cost Ken Hitchcock his job and caused Bobby Clarke to resign. This year, Philadelphia is much improved and I had severe doubts about the Sabres' ability to win this one. Thankfully a late effort by Jochen Hecht put my fears to rest.

Marty Biron made a terrific save about 12 minutes through the first, but Drew Stafford would open scoring late in the period after some great work by Campbell (isn't it great to have a defenseman that can skate like this guy?) to gain the zone.

The Flyers would respond in the second when a pass from Scott Hartnell found Jeff Carter at the Sabres' blue line and send him in alone. The puck bounced off Miller and into the net to tie the game. Joffrey Lupul would give the Flyers the lead after blasting in a rebound on the powerplay.

Early in the third period Kotalik would tally a powerplay goal of his own as he often does, by unleashing his howitzer of a slapshot. Jochen Hecht would finish off scoring with 2:51 left in the third when he was the first to reach the puck in a scramble for a rebound.

The Buffalo Sabres have been very mediocre in contrast to last year's masterful performance. Now I'm thankful for one more 5-game winning streak. Philly will have a chance to avenge their loss at home today (December 22nd).

On a side note, Sabres backup Jocelyn Thibault broke his nose while sitting on the bench. Yep...sitting on the bench. I couldn't find any information about how he accomplished this, but I'll update when I do.