Bruins bump Buffalo on skills

In Boston, Jeremy Swayman made 21 saves and the Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, 3-2, after the skills competition.

David Krejci had a goal for the Boston Bruins

“I love the shootout. I think it’s one of the best parts of the game if we get to it,” Swayman said. “And obviously today I was able to try that. And it was pretty cool to get the win, and the home crowd, it was a pretty special moment. I know that I wasn’t alone out there, so it was pretty emotional at the end.”

Colin Miller gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead early in the first period.

Rasmus Dahlin forced extra time and the skills competition with a goal to tie the game, 2-2, in the third period.

“We didn’t feel ourselves; the game wasn’t easy for us,” Buffalo head coach Don Granato said. “I think we responded, not because I said anything, although we did speak of it because I don’t think our guys were happy with the first period. I don’t think they were happy with how they felt, and they elevated. It was really nice to see, nice to see that response by our guys. The competitive level just rose.”

David Krejci and Craig Smith scored for the Bruins in regulation.

Boston won the game on penalties with Charlie Coyle and Jake DeBrusk scoring.

“It was a really tough game, fast pace and a lot of hitting,” Dahlin said. “The first two periods we just kind of stayed back, and then into the third period we talked about puck possessions and make plays and be more confident because we know we can play these games.”