In Buffalo, the New York Rangers 20 shots on goal in the third period, more than they had through the first 40 minutes of play, to get one goal past Devon Levi and force extra time on Friday night.
The Rangers ended up with a loser’s point, as Jeff Skinner scored at 1:49 of the extra session to give the Sabres a 3-2 win.
“[Casey Mittelstadt] obviously, nice play on the entry and passed it to me,” Skinner said. “I tried to get it through the seam there. Obviously, they got a little bit of a stick on there. I tried to stick with it. It was kind of rolling, so I just tried to get some good wood on it, and fortunately it sort of found the hole there.”
Levi made his debut for the Sabres after coming out college at Northeastern University.
“It was a dream come true,” Levi said. “I’ve dreamt of that moment my whole life. To have my family and friends here as well, who have been dreaming for this moment also their whole lives with me, it’s just incredible to have that support. … The guys played a [heck] of a job in front of me, letting me see the puck and just letting me do my thing.
“The game went by fast. I was having fun. I guess when you’re having fun, things go fast. It honestly just went by in a blur. It was just, like, amazing.”
The Rangers think they’ll go on a long run this post season, if Friday was any indication, they are in a for a rude awakening. This offense goes t sleep at just the pint the club needs a boost.
Levi made 31 saves t get the win.
Buffalo moved to 36-31-7.
The Rangers were outshot 11-2 and 13-9 in the first two periods.
New York coach Gerard Gallant was livid after the game.
“I’m [ticked] off tonight because we want to win hockey games,” Gallant said. “That’s what we’re here for. We clinched (a berth in the playoffs), what, a week ago (Monday), and it seemed like we clinched and then the season’s over. It’s not the way it’s supposed to work.
“You’re supposed to compete every night and try and play hard, and do the best you can. I didn’t like the way we played tonight at all.”
JJ Peterka scored in the first period to give the Sabres a 1-0 lead.
“It was unbelievable,” Levi said. “The fans were unreal. It’s so nice having that support coming in as a new guy. It just makes it so much easier, to have a warm welcome from everyone. All the fans just like cheering your name, it’s unbelievable. You know, I can’t take credit for the win. The guys played a [heck] of a game also in front of me.”
Jordan Greenway pushed the lead to 2-0 in the middle frame.
The Rangers dropped to 44-21-11, and looked bad doing it.
Kaapo Kakko scored off a scramble in the crease in the middle fame, he batted the airborne puck into the net for a 2-1 score headed to the third.
Filip Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere had assists on the goal. It was the only line to appear to skate all night.
“We kind of get into the flow of the game and then we start playing but it’s not going to work,” New York captain Jacob Trouba said. “That’s not a sustainable way to play hockey.”
New York’s Adam Fox tied the game, 2-2, in the third, to force the extra session.
Jaroslav Halak made 31 saves in the loss, and should sue for non support in Friday’s loss.
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