Here’s a fun fact about the game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Sabres in Buffalo on Wednesday night.
Brandon Montour had two shorthanded goals for the Buffalo Sabres
The Flyers were scoreless in three power play chances on the night.
On those same three power plays, the Sabres had two goals.
That says it all. One game after nearly ending the Sabres’ 17-game losing streak, a game in which the Flyers needed to rally for an OT win, Philadelphia managed to be THE team that snapped the Sabres’ futility at games in a 6-1 loss.
Ivan Provonov was the lone Flyers skater to get through for a goal.
“A lot of it, in my estimation, started in the offensive zone,” Philadelphia head coach Alain Vigneault said. “We were a little off on our execution, and that gave them a couple of rush opportunities. They did have control in our zone. Just a simple stick on puck would enable us to kill a lot of plays, to stop a lot of opportunities to get pucks at the net. We weren’t good enough there, and they made us pay for it.”
He scored in the middle frame after the Sabres had taken a 2-0 lead in the first period.
Don Granato got his first win as head coach of the Sabres.
“There’s no question that is important to put the streak behind so everybody can move on, but we absolutely had to block it out,” Granato said. “I had to block it out. On the coaching side, of course I want to win, but again, we had to control what we could control and focus on making this group better and getting better as a team. I feel we are. We’re in a much better place and getting better. We have to keep that focus.
Brandon Montour scored both shorthanded goals in the third period to add to the humiliation.
“Donnie’s been positive,” Montour said. “Obviously, it’s tough for any team to have a coaching change and a system change and whatnot throughout a season. But he’s been a great communicator.”
Sam Reinhart and Curtis Lazar scored in the first period for a 2-0 lead for the Sabres.
“Obviously relieved,” Montour said. “We’ve spoken enough times. Obviously, we’re frustrated with the results we’re having, losing streak and whatnot. But guys have been positive. All the guys tried to pick each other up after every game. We’re doing a great job of that. So tonight was kind of a full 60 minutes where everybody was kind of moving, everybody was feeling good. Good thing we got the good result tonight.”
After Provonov scored Steven Fogarty and Casey Mittelstadt scored for a 4-1 lead to Buffalo.
“It was awesome,” Fogarty said. “I mean, it’s something you always dream of, but to be able to get it in a winning effort makes it that much more special. … We saw we pretty much dominated all three periods, and I think we’ve seen signs of that over the last three games.”
The Flyers dropped to 17-14-4.
Brian Elliot got the start for the Flyers and was given the hook after surrendering four goals on 16 shots.
“I think we each have our own responsibilities in this struggle,” the Flyers’ Sean Couturier said. “Everyone just needs to find a way to bring their A-game and contribute to the team success right now. Every night we seem to have some guys on and off. It’s tough to win in this league if you have too many guys off on some nights.”
Alex Lyon made nine saves, giving up one of the shorthanded strikes in the third.
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