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Buffalo Sabres VS St Pete Bears
#NHL26 #FeelTheClaw #LetsGoBuffalo

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Transcript
00:09A real buzz in the air for this one tonight as two Eastern Conference rivals get set
00:14to renew hostilities on EA Sports.
00:20Opening face-off just moments away.
00:27The Bears are going to start with the puck after taking the opening drive.
00:33Scooped up along the line by Benson.
00:36Goes right to the crease.
00:38Oh, what a slip.
00:39Stumped by Branson.
00:41The Bears will play the puck from behind the net.
00:44The Saints have it in the offensive zone.
00:47St. Petersburg's got possession of the puck.
00:50Clint Dennings across the line now and on the attack in the offensive end.
00:54Good heads-up play in the defensive zone.
00:57Moves it to Thompson.
01:00Boutracks with possession back inside the defensive zone.
01:05St. Petersburg's got possession at center.
01:08Puck grab by Galeen.
01:10Oh, and the puck leaves the zone.
01:12They'll be forced to do this one over.
01:18Puck picked up by Thompson.
01:20Works it across to Benson.
01:23St. Petersburg's got control of it now from the road end.
01:27And tries to make a diagonal pass to Palat.
01:34Rips it.
01:35Don't see what a howitzer.
01:37Slides it diagonally to power.
01:42Icing is the call.
01:43We'll get a face-off at the other end.
01:49Lots of hockey left to be played in this period.
01:52We've still got zeros on the board.
01:58Buffalo's got a hold of the puck.
01:59So much time and practice working on D-zone face-offs.
02:02And this is exactly why coming off an icing,
02:04you win it and you have the opportunity to get out and get a change.
02:07In front and a stoppage on the play as the goaltender covers things up.
02:20Buffalo's won the draw.
02:22And then Scott gets blocked by one of his own teammates.
02:26Score!
02:27And just like that, we've got our first of the game.
02:30Founder didn't even have a broadcast headset on.
02:32I was just putting it on, James.
02:34That was incredibly fast.
02:36And the coach couldn't have drawn it up any quicker.
02:38They say, hey, let's get off to a good start.
02:40I'd say they just did.
02:42The goaltender, he's going to want this one back, James.
02:45I thought that he would set to position.
02:47Just the blast of the shot.
02:48It hit him.
02:49He's got a good chunk of it, but it went in.
02:51You can see the frustration in the body language.
02:55Score!
02:56Score!
02:58Score!
02:59Score!
03:00Score!
03:00Score!
03:01Score!
03:01Score!
03:05Buffalo's got the game's first goal here in the first.
03:08And perfect road approach, right?
03:11Silence the crowd, Cheryl.
03:12Well, yeah, and you've got to start with some energy.
03:14And you've got to get your lines into the game right away.
03:16And that's exactly what they did there with a wave of momentum.
03:19And they capitalized on their opportunity.
03:21There's a collision with some authority.
03:23And that's picked off.
03:26Gets the puck in deep.
03:29Sends it over to Barron.
03:32Dishes it to Stenland.
03:34Oh, look at this.
03:35Here they come.
03:36They've got numbers.
03:37Lyons going to hang on to the puck for a whistle.
03:42Coaches will always tell you, right from the onset of a game, right from puck drop,
03:45you want to make sure you're on your toes and you physically engage to get into the game right away.
03:50Well, that hit right there, that is physically engaging all right.
03:54You can see the entire bench lights up with that one.
03:56We're still in the early stages of this period.
03:591-0 to score.
04:02And he sends it across to Quinn.
04:05And now he tries to get it across to Quinn.
04:08Oh, and a good heads up the fence of play.
04:11Moves into the slot.
04:13Simple glove save by Barazic.
04:15This is a great reactive save.
04:17I mean, he sees the puck at the last second and is able to get his body in front of
04:20it.
04:21That is tough, not easy to do.
04:22He found it and he made the save.
04:24Getting closer to the halfway point of this frame.
04:27We got a 1-0 game to this point.
04:30Moves it quickly over to Barazic.
04:33Moves with the puck in the corner.
04:35Rocks him into the board.
04:37In order to dictate the tempo of the game right at the onset.
04:40Come on, I'm a play.
04:42Why?
04:43How long you don't practice that one in goalie?
04:45Shesu's chance.
04:46He just has to have fight and compete to get to that puck.
04:48He has all of it.
04:49He makes the save.
04:51Fires it into the offensive zone.
04:56Here he is, shot right in front.
04:58Shuts him down.
04:59As a goaltender, you have to be able to read and anticipate the play.
05:03He does it perfectly.
05:04He's able to negate the shot.
05:05Oh, it's so something a little too sweet with that save.
05:09Puck sent over to Boson.
05:12Zucker's carrying it ahead.
05:17St. Petersburg's going to play the puck from behind the cage.
05:22The Sabres have it against the wall.
05:25Oh, we've got a piece of it to keep it out.
05:28Sends it out in front.
05:29He scores!
05:31What a play.
05:36Well, this is just a fabulous shot.
05:38When you're in that high slot area, you know that you're going to be closed upon quickly.
05:41So you've got to have a quick release.
05:43That's the first thing.
05:44And the second thing is the accuracy.
05:46If it's quick and it's on, you're going to score.
06:05The Sabres have had multiple scoring opportunities here in this first.
06:09It could easily have a much bigger lead.
06:11Cramps wins it inside the neutral zone.
06:14Here's a chance to make something happen inside the neutral zone.
06:18Clayton big in the moment there.
06:23Handles the pass.
06:27Oh, and that goes off his mask.
06:29I don't think he planned to stop it that way, but he keeps it out.
06:33And that's picked off from the neutral zone.
06:35Barker Hall moves it over to Lozon.
06:40Avoids the poke check and maintains possession.
06:43Here's the shot.
06:44Good save.
06:47The Sabres move the puck in the defensive zone.
06:50Sends it in deep.
06:52St. Petersburg's got a hold of it against the wall.
06:55And he moves it up to Obey Covell.
07:00There he is on the backhand.
07:02Big time stop there.
07:04There's the whistle as the puck is frozen up.
07:07Benson's been feeling it, James.
07:09You know who else is feeling it?
07:10His teammates.
07:11They have been the beneficiaries of a great leader on the ice
07:15who's just been distributing the puck and generating a ton of offense.
07:18Here's a short pass to Struble.
07:21St. Petersburg's got it on the line.
07:24That's glove by Ryan.
07:26We're going to face off after the puck stays coming up.
07:32More than half the brain has been played here.
07:35The Saints lead this one to St.
07:41Thompson's won the draw deep in the defensive zone.
07:45Grabs it at his own end.
07:48Sends it deep inside the offensive zone.
07:51Grabbed it on the floor by Benson.
07:54Play with the dead penalty coming up.
07:58Burrows off to the box.
08:00Interference the call.
08:01In this game, you're always trying to buy time for your teammates,
08:04but sometimes if you hold on a little bit too long,
08:07you're going to get the interference call.
08:17The first penalty kill of the game for this group here,
08:20and we know their penalty kills rank toward the bottom of the league,
08:23but this group's got a lot of confidence, a lot of energy.
08:26They just might be able to shut down this power play.
08:29He grabs the puck here at the fourth.
08:32A chance from the slot.
08:33Oh, and he wants to win with a stick.
08:36Morazic's going to hang on for a whistle.
08:41Norris is ready for the faceoff as we are about to resume this power play.
08:47And they win the draw in the offensive zone, and they go to work.
08:51Oh, how about Dr. Sacrifice?
08:53Well, and P.K. have to sacrifice,
08:55and I love the way that he gets out there aggressively
08:57and makes sure that that shot does not get to the net.
09:00And they'll cover it up, forcing a stoppage in play.
09:06O'Brien's recognizing they're still shorthanded here
09:09as they get ready for the faceoff.
09:15Norris has won the faceoff.
09:17There's a shot.
09:19Oh, it makes the save just not enough to keep it out.
09:23And they get the puck out of the defensive end.
09:27Buffalo's got it from behind the net.
09:30Passes over to Norris.
09:32Oh, it's a smooth skating to lose the defender there.
09:35Oh, tremendous save on the play.
09:38What an incredible save.
09:39I have no idea how he got to that one, James,
09:41and the shooter is absolutely stunned.
09:44What a stop.
09:45I would have lost the puck three times
09:46by the time that I would handle like that by the coverage.
09:49I mean, but he does it.
09:50He just knows how to move and maneuver his body around the puck.
09:54He can shield it,
09:54and he maintains possession for a great shot on net.
09:57Well, that was a 10-bell save.
09:59We're going to get to watch it again here on the replay, James.
10:01But man, oh man, when you find the puck like that,
10:04and you have the instincts and urgency
10:05and the desperation to attack it,
10:08that is one heck of a save.
10:19A huge offensive zone face-off here.
10:21They're going to try to maintain all that momentum
10:23that they had just moments ago.
10:24But it all starts with a face-off.
10:26They need to get a win here,
10:27and they have to attack right away, James.
10:29The goalkeeper's fatigued.
10:30I mean, he's been standing on his head,
10:32but he can't continue to do it the whole time.
10:34They've got to find a way to put it by him.
10:37Raps control on the court.
10:39Pass out front, and that's stopped!
10:50Bayern found his rhythm here
10:51as we look at that last save.
10:53I mean, he has to be so on the mark right now
10:55to position to be able to make it.
10:57His read is perfect.
10:59He's tracking well.
11:00He has to be quick and athletic to make that one.
11:07Glenn Denning's gliding in for the face-off
11:10as this penalty kill will continue.
11:13Buffalo's going to start with the puck
11:14in their own end.
11:16Feeds it to Thompson.
11:20St. Petersburg's got the puck here in the open ice.
11:22And they'll battle for that loose puck along the board.
11:25Here's the pass in front,
11:27and he shuts down a great scoring chance there.
11:32The Silverstein possession along the wall.
11:36Faces into the offensive zone now on the attack.
11:39And the goaltender comes up with a piece of it
11:41to keep it out of the net.
11:47Can they capitalize on this power play?
11:50Here comes the face-off.
11:54And they win the draw on their own end.
11:56And scores!
11:57A power play goal!
12:00Well, successful power play is all about
12:02getting the PK to move,
12:03and that's exactly what they've done
12:04with their motion and their switching up positions here, James.
12:07They got the look they wanted,
12:08and they finished it off.
12:10There it is, James.
12:12I mean, this guy just knows how to score goals.
12:14He's got a gnat through the neck, pure goal score,
12:16and that's why he's leading his team.
12:31The Sabres are dominating
12:32in almost every facet of the game here in the first.
12:39Buffalo's got possession of the puck
12:40after that neutral zone face-off.
12:42Here they are on the attack.
12:46Makes the move in front!
12:47What a blocker stop at point-link range by Lyon!
12:52Robertson's back in the lineup
12:53after nursing his injury.
12:55He's ghosted!
12:57Doesn't get the shot off him.
12:59I'm not sure what happened there, Cheryl.
13:01Me neither, James.
13:02I mean, I was a defender.
13:03I was never...
13:04Wait a second, James.
13:05I believe there's going to be a call right there.
13:07An infraction happens.
13:08Look out.
13:09They do bring in some trouble.
13:10And here, extra attackers on the ice
13:12with the delayed penalty looming.
13:14We've got a stoppage.
13:15Let's get the call.
13:19Palat's going off for interference.
13:21I always hated to play in these games.
13:23You just came out flat.
13:24Nothing you did made it better.
13:26Now they've got to kill off a penalty
13:27when they're getting blown out.
13:29Real tough game.
13:34Well, sometimes a simple set on a power play
13:36is the most effective, James.
13:38We saw it earlier.
13:39When you've got shooters,
13:40players that can just rip a bomb from the point,
13:42you want to make sure you've got them set up
13:44and teed up along the blue line.
13:46But it doesn't work unless you get net front presence.
13:48You've got to get eyes in front of the timber.
13:50And the puck is clear to a safer spot.
13:54Buffalo's got a hold of it along the wall.
14:00And they'll dump it in.
14:02Buffalo's got the puck in their own end.
14:05Here's the whistle as the puck stopper
14:07likes to hang on.
14:12Norris will look to win possession here on the faceoff
14:15and try to continue this power play on the right note.
14:20Puck has dropped.
14:21He wins the draw here in the defensive zone.
14:25Gets it over to the plough.
14:28Touch to the front.
14:30Spectacular stop by the goaltender.
14:32How did he hang on to that?
14:33That's a great save,
14:34but the goaltender had to get out to the top of his crease,
14:36take away all the ice,
14:38and make himself as big as possible.
14:40O'Brien's ready for the draw
14:41as they continue to be shorthanded here.
14:45Thompson's got it.
14:46Now they'll look to see what they can do offensively.
14:49Morazic's going to give everyone a chance to breathe
14:51and hang on to the puck.
14:53The goaltender, they have to have talent,
14:55they have to have mobility,
14:56and they have to be able to track the puck,
14:58but they have to have a willingness to find it
15:00and fight for any second shot,
15:02and that's exactly what happens here.
15:04Out battling, out willing,
15:05and you make the save.
15:18Special teams so important.
15:20Can they capitalize on this power play here with a face-off?
15:25O'Brien's won a big draw on their own end.
15:28Up along the way now.
15:30Great defensive play to come up with the puck.
15:36St. Petersburg's got a chance
15:37to work the transition game now, shorthanded.
15:46And he takes the dish.
15:50Scott denies the chance.
15:51Oh, it's so good.
15:53Oh, my goodness, what a start.
15:54Oh, that's unbelievable, James.
15:56I know a start.
15:57Oh, there it is on the power play.
15:59Their power play has been really efficient tonight, James,
16:02and they're really gaining momentum off of it.
16:04And often when you're drawing this many penalties,
16:06teams start to play different against you.
16:09I love that when there's a shot,
16:11he just doesn't stand around looking.
16:12He gets his feet moving,
16:13and he tracks it, he hounds it.
16:15He's relentless, James,
16:16and he finds it,
16:17and he puts it in the back of the net.
16:19Oh, my goodness.
16:20Oh, my goodness.
16:20Oh, my goodness.
16:23Oh, my goodness.
16:24Oh, my goodness.
16:28Oh, my goodness.
16:29Oh, my goodness.
16:29The Sabres are up big here
16:32late in the first period.
16:37Stanlon's quick stick
16:38lands from the puck here at center.
16:41Quick pass to Kaepernick.
16:44He's defeated, it's right.
16:46Oh, drills the crossbar.
16:49He tries to feed it over to Timon.
16:52Big shot to cover it.
16:54Here we go, odd man rush.
16:57Good save.
16:59And the goaltender grabs that one for a whistle
17:02to try to slow things down here.
17:05Buffalo's looking to take this lead
17:07into the intermission here
17:09as they've put a lot of pucks on net so far.
17:14St. Petersburg's got the puck
17:16after winning the defensive zone faceoff.
17:18Buffalo's won the defensive zone draw.
17:19The Bears move it in.
17:23Buffalo's gained possession along the boards.
17:25Puck is frozen and will get a faceoff.
17:36Here in the later stages of this period,
17:38the Sabres have added to their lead.
17:40They're now up by four.
17:44Buffalo's won the defensive zone draw.
17:48And he takes the feed.
17:51Avoids the poke check.
17:54Pucks it away at his own end.
17:56Slides the puck across to pull up.
18:00Picked up along the wall by Skruble.
18:04Passes it over to Palat.
18:05The Bears have it now.
18:07From the defensive zone,
18:08they move the puck around.
18:11Puts it in deep.
18:14Looks to get the puck over to Obey Cabell.
18:18Pass, stole it in the open ice.
18:20And he takes the feed.
18:24Tick it along the wall by Kulich.
18:26The Bears gain possession.
18:30Passes it over to Palat.
18:32Quick feed to Robertson.
18:36Takes the feed at the corner.
18:38Great save!
18:40Tosses it on to Greenway.
18:42Moves it to McLeod.
18:45They've got numbers here.
18:48Oh, smart heads on play to poke that one away.
18:52Looking to set up offensively.
18:55Pusses it over.
18:57Picked up along the board by Skruble.
19:01Buffalo's got just a few seconds left here with the puck.
19:05Slides it up front.
19:06To his teammate.
19:08What a save by Brasic.
19:10The key to being a great goaltender
19:12is not giving up second shot opportunities,
19:14and it's playing the rebounds to the corner.
19:16He does an excellent job here.
19:18All right, there's the end of period number one.
19:20We'll take a breather.
19:21I'll recharge.
19:23The players will too.
19:24And we're coming back with period number two
19:26right after this.
19:27The one of the most exciting competitions this season.
19:30Check our website out
19:31or call us here at the stadium.
19:34See you next time.
19:35Boom.
19:54Go!
19:567 heat!
19:57I need you to be abestos.
24:28I'm telling you, that one feels pretty terrific.
24:31I think he lets this snapshot go from a bad angle, James, because he's looking for a second shot opportunity
24:36for his teammates, but instead he finds the back of the net.
24:52The Bears finally shows some life here.
24:55But it's still too much, but it's still too much.
25:39It's still a second step ahead of the shooter.
25:55He's got to make that save.
25:56This is a fantastic save, James, he's all over it.
25:59What I mean by that is he knows exactly where it is and where it's moving.
26:03The reason why he can get square to it and make the save.
26:05Here's a short pass.
26:06Here's a short pass to Mason.
26:08Here's a short pass to Mason.
26:08He's got the puck on his stick now and you know he's looking for the hat trick, James.
26:13Tremendous stuff with the blocker by Ellis.
26:16What a fantastic save from the high danger scoring area, James.
26:19I mean, he's bailing his team out.
26:21They have to do a better job of protecting the middle of the ice.
26:25Sneaks by the puck chip.
26:27And he's got that one.
26:30D'Angelo's moving the puck through his own zone.
26:34And that was read perfectly.
26:36What a play by Potter.
26:41The Sabre's carried along the line.
26:43Yes!
26:52Any time you're in the slot area, you know that you're not going to have much time.
26:56That's why a quick Wrister to the net can often do the damage.
26:59It's buried.
27:21Buffalo's got a lot of skill on this roster and we are seeing it in full effect.
27:25And we're only, what, halfway through this game here, period number two?
27:28Yeah, it's pretty impressive.
27:29Isn't it?
27:30I mean, the confidence in which the entire lineup is playing with is outstanding.
27:33The puck's on their stick.
27:34They're working their magic.
27:35They're manipulating their opponent.
27:37And they're filling the net.
27:38Quick pass to Stedman.
27:41Hock moved over to Kapanen.
27:45And he slides it quickly to Pahal.
27:47And that's a great handset in the defensive zone to burst the turnover.
27:53Grabbed along the board by Barron.
27:55Trying to get it down the ice.
27:58And the clearing attempt is tinnitus.
28:01It's blocked.
28:02Oh, I've done that many a times, James.
28:03And all you can hope is that it doesn't wind up in the back of your net.
28:07Shuts him down.
28:09We got a whistle as the puck's frozen.
28:14Well, let's face it, James.
28:15You're getting blown out in the game.
28:16You're really trailing.
28:17It's deflating.
28:17It's very deflating.
28:19You don't know how to get back in it.
28:20So often, sometimes, you just start hitting things,
28:23trying to physically engage yourself and seeing if you can spark something anywhere.
28:27The Sabres have been putting lots of shots on net
28:29and have been rewarded for their efforts.
28:37Puffalo's got it, and they're on the attack.
28:39Great use of the stick in the defensive end by Kraft.
28:45Quick pass across to Struble.
28:48And that's a great read to force the turnover.
28:51Shakes off the coverage.
28:54Tries to the plate.
28:56Oh, he got pulled by Ellis.
28:59And that'll free up the puck.
29:01Dished on over to Kraft.
29:04Dishes it out.
29:06Puck scooped up by Kraft.
29:09Turned aside with the glove by Lyon.
29:12Krebs takes the puck.
29:14And now he angers it across to Greenway.
29:16St. Petersburg's looking to break out at their own end.
29:20And he slides it quickly to O'Brien.
29:23Intercepts the pass at center.
29:25Off-man rush.
29:28Stopped by the goaltender getting a piece of that one.
29:31Ellis is getting shelled in the free swing.
29:34Everything he can to keep the opponent at bay.
29:36But, man, this is getting tough.
29:38They've got to find a way to stop chasing the game
29:40and create some offense.
29:42Here's the shot.
29:44Good ball is him.
29:45He got all of it.
29:46Oh, it's a 30 consecutive save.
29:48James!
29:53Benson's been the catalyst to the offense tonight.
29:55Multiple points in this game.
29:57And he's very unpredictable, James.
29:59And that's tough.
30:00Anytime you're playing an unpredictable player,
30:02you don't know what they're going to do.
30:03So you have to pick a poison.
30:04And often, you choose wrong.
30:06And he's certainly put it on point.
30:08He's made some great passes.
30:09And he's executed.
30:24Buffalo's been just savage in the offensive zone.
30:26And they lead it here in this second period.
30:34As Favors win the defensive zone faceoff.
30:37Quick feed to Thompson.
30:40Buffalo's got it in the middle.
30:42Takes a shot.
30:43Oh, how did he get him?
30:45He's the guy!
30:50Prasic's dialed in tonight here, James.
30:52He's a lifeline for his team right now.
30:54I mean, he's chiming in, shaking in his crease.
30:56I mean, the desperation saves he's had to make
30:58to keep the puck out of the net.
31:00He's going to need a rest here.
31:01I mean, look at him breathing heavy.
31:03He's found a way to keep it out.
31:04Now his team has to find a way to put it in.
31:16Buffalo's had the better scoring opportunities
31:18and lots of them, which is why they lead
31:20in a big way here in the second.
31:25The Savers win the draw.
31:28Left save move by O'Brien.
31:30He throws it to the middle.
31:32And it goes off a stick.
31:34And on target.
31:35St. Petersburg's got possession of the puck.
31:40Slides it across to Fabry.
31:42He to the middle.
31:43And that doesn't connect.
31:45Picked up along the wall by O'Brien.
31:48Moves it to Fabry.
31:49There's the physical side.
31:52There's the physical side.
31:52Ref blows the whistle as the puck's covered up.
31:58Here in the back half of this period,
32:01Buffalo's put on an excellent display of firepower,
32:05leading 5-1.
32:07And they take possession off the draw here at their own end.
32:11Moves it quickly over to Thompson.
32:16Buffalo's moving it into the offensive line.
32:24Pucks are down the ice.
32:25We'll get an icing.
32:31The Savers have had a lot of jump in their steps
32:33since the drop of the puck in this one.
32:35And they lead it here in this second period.
32:41St. Petersburg's got possession here at their own end.
32:45Pushes it across to Kapanen.
32:48Pass it through.
32:49Oh, he comes off with a stop.
32:53And he takes the pass.
32:55Heads it over.
32:58Kapanen's got the puck near the back end.
33:04Slides it back to the blue line.
33:05And that's broken up.
33:07Buffalo's gonna play the puck from behind the college.
33:11The Savers have it now.
33:13And tries to make it to Anglottas to Dome.
33:16Knocks the puck loose.
33:18Lozon's got it through center.
33:22Kapanen's gonna play it against the half wall.
33:24Swat it away with the stick in the defensive zone.
33:27Dries him in front.
33:30Buffalo's got the puck along the wall.
33:33The Bears gonna work on offense.
33:35Can't get a hold of that pass.
33:38Tries to get the puck over to Thompson.
33:41Shakes off to the defender with some nifty moves.
33:45Ellis has it and freezes the play.
33:52The Sabres are on cruise control here in the second.
33:55They have absolutely dominated.
33:59Robertson's won it in their own end.
34:01St. Petersburg's got it in their own zone.
34:09Tosses it to Johansson.
34:11Here's a short pass to Norris.
34:14Huck grab by Sinker.
34:16Scores!
34:17And the road team is having themselves a party in this bar tonight.
34:21And I don't take anybody except them liking it.
34:24No one likes it in this building, that's for sure.
34:27I mean, fans are leaving.
34:28They made money for this ticket.
34:30And if you're on the ice, you just wanna crawl out of there.
34:32But you can't.
34:33There's more game to play.
34:34This is a tough one, James.
34:50Buffalo's got more than a few smiles on the bench tonight as they inch closer and closer to the end
34:55of the second period.
34:56Well, yeah, I mean, it's been a consistent effort right through two periods of play now, James.
35:00And they're gonna head into this intermission.
35:02It couldn't disrupt their rhythm.
35:04And they gotta make sure they stay focused, they stay intense, and they come ready to start the third the
35:08way they started the first and second.
35:10And they'll dump it in.
35:13Taken along the wall by Krebs.
35:16And he makes the save.
35:19Moves it over to Robertson.
35:21Quick pass to Palat.
35:22Tries to get the puck to Burns.
35:24The Sabers gain possession in their own end.
35:28Moves it quickly.
35:30And he puts it away to make the save.
35:32And that won't go as it hits one of his own teammates in front.
35:37The Sabers gain control of the puck against the wall.
35:41Intercepted the pass.
35:43Quick feed to Skrubble.
35:50And that's off a stick.
35:52The Sabers have it against the wall.
35:55Krebs plays it now.
36:06Well, there you go.
36:07We played 40 minutes.
36:08Final chance for the coaches to push their messages home.
36:12And we'll see the third period coming up in just a matter of moments.
36:17Fans, your donations have made it possible for kids in need to see their heroes live.
36:23From our tickets for kids' luxury moms, thank you for your generosity.
36:27True.
37:57Welcome back.
37:58James Cebulski ready to bring you all the play-by-play.
38:03Well, this has been an absolute blowout through the first two periods as we get underway here in the third.
38:09All right, Cheryl, we played two periods in this one.
38:11Give the fans at home your take on what you've seen.
38:13Buffalo has been consistent through 40 minutes of play here, James, and they have a comfortable lead.
38:17Now it's about bringing it home.
38:19In order to do that, you've got to make sure that you're defensively responsible.
38:23Moves it to Thompson.
38:25The Sabres are across the line and into the offensive end.
38:28A chance of shot!
38:29Nice save from point-blank range.
38:37Thompson's been on it all night, and as you can see here, the grade-A chances just piled up, and
38:41finally he broke through here, James.
38:44He didn't get frustrated.
38:44What I loved about it was he continued to get to the right spots.
38:47If you're getting good looks, at some point, it's eventually going to go in.
39:04The Sabres have built themselves up a comfortable lead here in this third period.
39:14And they win the face-off and set-up to go in the attack.
39:17Uh-uh!
39:18Nice block!
39:21Picked up along the boards by Obey Pumel.
39:25Lozos got him along the wing.
39:28The Sabres gain control of it.
39:30He might have a step here.
39:32He's in a long!
39:35And he opts to wait for more support.
39:38Score!
39:38Now, Cage comes and lights the lamp!
39:48Sometimes players are just bigger and stronger than you are, and you've got to figure out a way to defend
39:53that doesn't involve pushing or checking, because you know you're not going to win that battle.
39:58In this case, he drives the net, and it's almost dead that he is a Mack truck who has his
40:03own way, drives his own lane, and buries it.
40:30Another one here to the total tonight.
40:32What a performance.
40:34Yeah, they've had the puck on their stick for a majority of this game.
40:37You know the coaching staff is going to be impressed.
40:39Hey, maybe they'll get the day off tomorrow.
40:41And that plays offside.
40:43We've got a face-off coming up.
40:49And here we go.
40:51Wow, this battle, it could be a long one here, James.
40:54Two heavyweights going toe-to-toe now.
40:56Look out.
41:10And there's the ball.
41:12Oh, James, that's just a crushing blow.
41:14Executed and landed perfectly.
41:24The home side is going to gain a lot of adrenaline after that win.
41:29Frustration, physicality, and that fight says it all.
41:32St. Petersburg is going to switch things up between the pipes.
41:36Hopefully this can get the wheels in motion for something positive.
41:39It's just been a disastrous game,
41:41and they're going to get him out of there and put some relief in.
41:47Fair to say that was a rather spirited affair on the ice.
41:50Looks like both teams have cooled their jets.
41:53And here's the upcoming face-off.
41:56St. Petersburg's got the puck here on the open ice.
41:58Angles it over to Quinn.
42:01And just a good old fresh and solid body chip on the play.
42:06And threw in the derail by the goaltender.
42:09And they'll get a breather as the goaltender covers it up.
42:15Buffalo's offense has been a thing to watch tonight
42:18as they lead it big time here early in the third.
42:24The Sabres win the draw now.
42:25Let's see what they can do with it.
42:27That's a beautiful pass save by the goalie there.
42:34The Sabres have put a lot of pucks on net,
42:37and as a result, they lead it early in this third period.
42:45Robertson's gained possession and has great work inside.
42:47The face-off circuit pays off again.
42:50On the attack and on the boards.
42:53Grabs the puck in the corner.
42:55Oh, and a miss by Arzak goes right out of the zone.
43:06Puck picked up by Lazard.
43:12St. Petersburg's got the puck against the half wall.
43:17Takes the feet at the back end.
43:21Slides it across.
43:23And that shot dies in traffic.
43:25And off the side of the road it goes.
43:28They're all over the puck here, James.
43:30I mean, their opponent, they don't even have time to breathe.
43:32Moves the puck along the half wall.
43:35Can't keep a hold of it after that hit.
43:38The Bears gain control of the puck.
43:41Passes it over.
43:43Here's a short pass to Robertson.
43:47Look out.
43:48Gives some nothing in front.
43:50Goaltender covers it up.
43:52We get a whistle to slow things down.
43:55Buffalo showing no signs of slowing down here in this third period of big time.
44:04Thompson's won the drug deep in the defensive zone.
44:09Buffalo's got control of it now from their own end.
44:15Takes control of the puck.
44:17Loses his balance on the play.
44:20And the puck's not loose.
44:22St. Petersburg's got a hold of it against the wall.
44:26Thompson's stick handling in his own zone.
44:29St. Petersburg's got possession at center.
44:32Puck is picked up here in the neutral ice by Kaepernick.
44:35Oh, just like that.
44:36Steals the puck and goes the other way.
44:39Buffalo's top line looks like they're having a ton of fun out there, James.
44:42They're showing their chemistry and their reason why they're in the lead in this game.
44:46Quick pass to Lozog.
44:48And then Puck leaves the zone.
44:50Takes the pass.
44:58Lawrence opted to hang on to the puck for a face-off.
45:07The Sabres have shown no signs of stopping putting pucks on net, and they lead it here in this third.
45:16Thompson's won the face-off.
45:19From the left side, takes the pass.
45:22The Sabres take it across the blue line.
45:25And it's turned aside by Brasic.
45:27This is just great puck control to put the puck to the corner.
45:30No something shot opportunity.
45:32Trying to clear from the defensive zone.
45:35And he gets the job done.
45:37Big thumbs up clearing that one.
45:39Moves the puck to Kertzian.
45:42Gains the zone through the middle.
45:44From the right wing, he moves it to the middle.
45:48From the point, they take control of it.
45:50Buffalo's game possession along the boards.
45:54Dali's got the puck now at his own end.
45:56In front of the net, the goaltender covers up for a whistle on the play.
46:03The Sabres have a significant lead here in the third period.
46:06They have brought their A game tonight.
46:12And as the puck is dropping, they win the draw here inside the defensive zone.
46:17The Sabres will play it in their own end.
46:22And there's the save.
46:27See, Petersburg's got the puck in their own end.
46:32The Bears looking against the half wall.
46:37Moves the puck.
46:38Dishes it off.
46:41Feeds it over.
46:45Drives to the sweet spot.
46:47Oh, how did that stay out?
46:49What a save by Lyon.
46:53Sends it into the offensive zone.
46:56Cartier's got the puck in his own zone.
46:59Moves it to Burroughs.
47:02And there's the whistle icing the call.
47:05Columbus comes up next on the schedule.
47:07And, you know, much like this fan base, they also travel well.
47:11Should be a fun one.
47:13I'm looking forward to it.
47:14Buffalo's attempt to put more pucks on net has paid off as they lead it in the third.
47:20Sends a pass over.
47:22Reads the pass perfectly and kicks it off.
47:25The Sabres have picked off yet another pass, James.
47:28This is incredible.
47:29They dominated play all night long.
47:31They're all over the place.
47:33And they know exactly where to be at the right time to shut it down.
47:36They're scoring four straight goals on Rollin' Mouth.
47:41And talk about confidence, hey, James.
47:43I mean, their opponent does not have an answer.
47:45They look absolutely stunned.
47:47I mean, they are like a freight train just pounding down on them.
47:51That's what you call having a nap for the net, James.
47:53When you get in tight and you're sniffing around, you better get that puck off quickly
47:57because you know there's defenders all around you that are going to come and close.
48:14Buffalo's playing almost like they want a day off here tomorrow, Cheryl.
48:17Yeah, I'd say so.
48:19And you always look forward to a day off.
48:21And this coaching staff has got to be impressed with this team tonight.
48:24The ability to get the puck to net, driving the pace of play, and just having really great
48:28habits.
48:29Consistent effort right through the game.
48:31And the server's ready to go on the attack.
48:33And he gets in front of the eye.
48:40Zucker is a player who has that pass-first mentality.
48:43And you certainly know that he's always looking and scanning the ice to find out where his
48:48line mates are because you know his next move is likely going to be a pass.
48:51He's got multiple assists in this game.
48:53It just seems to be working, the chemistry between himself and his teammates.
48:57And they're finishing it off for him.
49:11The Sabres have shown no signs of slowing down here in this third period.
49:15A big.
49:21St. Petersburg's got a hold of the puck.
49:25Sends the pass over.
49:28Buffalo's looking to break out at their own end.
49:32Taken by Palat.
49:38Moser quickly over to Struble.
49:44Slides it across.
49:46And the puck stopper hangs on to get a breather here for the team.
49:53The Sabres have been the aggressor offensively tonight as they continue to lead in the third.
50:02Buffalo's going to start with the puck at their own end.
50:06From his own end, he picks up the puck.
50:09Oh, great move to sidestep the jack.
50:11And makes the save.
50:14St. Petersburg's got the puck.
50:16And now he moves it quickly to Stanley.
50:19Point, point.
50:21He goes.
50:21He goes around and down the half wide.
50:24Handles the puck at the point.
50:26Here's a short pass to Struble.
50:29Stops that one.
50:31Struble's back on the ice after serving that five-minute major for fighting.
50:34And it's certainly appreciated to have a physical element to your game.
50:37You know his teammates certainly appreciate it.
50:39But, man, you've got to find a way to generate offense.
50:41And the only way you can is winging on the ice.
50:45And there's another penalty call against the home team.
50:48These fans are frustrated.
50:49Joe, I think these calls are legit.
50:52I just think that the fans are wondering, what about the other side here?
50:55Well, yeah, they've got to be expecting to get one soon here, as it is one side.
50:59And it's so hard for a team to get into the game when there's no flow because you keep grading
51:03yourself to the box.
51:05Buffalo's power play unit puts their hard hats on as they go back to work.
51:09Well, they've already scored tonight on the PP, James.
51:12And looking to really thread the needle again on this one.
51:14Their movement, their adjustments have been excellent thus far.
51:17The Bears will try to shave a few seconds off this penalty now.
51:23Puck scooped up by Bastion.
51:26Pusses it over.
51:28Thompson's taking it from his own end.
51:34Quick pass to D'Angelo.
51:36Through the neutral zone up along the wing.
51:41Oh, a little bit of stick-pick from the play and comes up with the puck.
51:46A center-state position on the defensive end.
51:53St. Petersburg's got a chance to work the transition game now, shorthanded.
52:00The Sabres have a hold of it on the defensive zone.
52:04Turns it into the slot!
52:06Turned aside with the glove by Morozik.
52:08Puck is frozen, and we get a stoppage in play.
52:14Norris will take the face off here as this man advantage is about to resume.
52:23The Sabres take possession here inside the offensive zone.
52:27Covers it up.
52:28We'll get a stoppage in play.
52:34O'Brien's side still shorthanded here as they slide in for the face-off.
52:45The Sabres win it in the defensive zone.
52:49Slides the puck over.
52:52Here's a beat at home!
52:54And he demise that great opportunity there!
52:58The Sabres will play it from the defensive zone.
53:02Tucked it through the check!
53:04O'Brien's side with the paddle save!
53:08Buffalo's got it in the neutral zone.
53:11It's a silent offensive work in the road in with the poke check.
53:20Norris will look to win possession here on the face-off and try to continue this power play on the
53:25right note.
53:27The Sabres will start off on the attack after hitting the draw.
53:31We got a whistle as the puck goes out of play.
53:38Glenn Denning's ready for the draw as they continue to be shorthanded here.
53:47Tuck is dropping.
53:48He wins the draw here in the defensive zone.
53:52Takes the feed.
53:54Takes a spill out of the ice and loses the puck.
53:58The Sabres in transition at center.
54:01Feeds the draw.
54:03Fires it!
54:04Oh, it stays out.
54:05He got a piece of that one.
54:08Stubles almost ready to get back on the ice.
54:12With a hefty lead, the team looks comfortable.
54:15And certainly that power play did.
54:17Yes, they didn't execute.
54:30Oh, he's got to be sick to his stomach, James.
54:32That's such a deflating goal.
54:34He thought he had it.
54:35He's looking for it.
54:36He just pushes it into the net.
54:38That's frustrating.
54:51St. Petersburg's recognized that they're not going to play run time here, so at least try to make it respectable.
54:56Respectable, and they can finish with physicality, and that's something that the staff will be telling them.
55:01Also look for everyone to be jumping into the attack, trying to get some pressure on their opponent and get
55:07some much-needed goals.
55:08Directed over to Ove Curell.
55:12Third battle along the boards for the puck.
55:15The Sabres take over on possession.
55:19Here they come on the attack.
55:21Takes the shot.
55:22Oh, gets a little piece of it, and keeps it out of the net.
55:26You know the goal is dialed in when you need your extra puck to the corner.
55:30Sends it over.
55:31Here's a pass to the middle.
55:33And that's stuck.
55:35Loses possession after he takes a little hit.
55:38Buffalo's got the puck inside the defensive zone.
55:41Puck jumped in, and the forwards are going to skate off.
55:44Quick pass to Ove Curell.
55:49Here they come on the attack.
55:54A Sabres flip to start the transition game.
55:58Threw center along the wing.
56:01Inside the offensive end, now down the left.
56:09Final seconds of this one, an absolute blocker performance by the home team, and the fans are letting them here.
56:17Hey, does the puck.
56:18Oh, it's almost stopped there with Tom running down.
56:22There's the final horn, and that'll do it here this evening.
56:26A solid effort tonight, but the problem is the same issue night after night.
56:31Just a few minutes and a breakdown, and it winds up constantly.
56:35Well, and that's all it takes, right, James?
56:36Especially when you're not winning yet.
56:38You have to look at it in small little increments, and they have to game manage,
56:41and they haven't done that very effectively.
56:43And it's round-up costing them numerous games here.
56:46They're going to have to find a way to reset and get back on track.
56:49They're giving us the go-home cue, so we're going to get out of here.
56:52Thanks so much for joining, and we'll see you next time.
56:55Here, buddy.
56:55Thanks, folks.
56:58Thanks.
57:11Thanks, folks.
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