In Buffalo, Sam Reinhart potted the game-winning goal Tuesday night as the Sabres escaped with a 3-2 win over the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
Sam Reinhart scored game winner for Sabres – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
“I think we did a good job tonight of keeping our mindset short and focusing on the task at hand,” Reinhart said. “I think [Marcus Johansson], [Conor Sheary] and some other guys really stepped up when maybe we weren’t at our best at the start. It’s always nice to kind of get a go-ahead (goal) and play the way we wanted to going into the third there.”
Carter Hutton made 27 saves in the win.
“It’s the NHL, there’s so much parity,” Hutton said. “You look at [teams like Detroit], sometimes those teams that don’t have the pressure of playing for the (Stanley Cup) Playoffs and playing for position, they can play a little more run and gun. They have some really talented players there and I think they showed it tonight. So for us, just staying with it for a full 60 and finding a way to win, especially here at home, obviously is a big relief and something we can build off going forward.”
Darren Helm scored both Red Wings goals.
“I thought the line was really good,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “Darren Helm played really well. I thought it was good to have Anthony back playing at that level. When he plays at that level, he’s one of the better players in the League, really hard to handle … If he can keep playing at that level, it makes us a way better hockey team.”
Johansson and Sheary had the other goals for the Sabres.
“He’s (Sheary) just a lot more active,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said. “His feet are alive, he’s getting in on the forecheck, and we need him to be that spark plug. I’m really pleased for him to get the goal today. There’s somebody who’s been getting these type of chances in the slot and for him to bury one I’m sure will help him here. We need our secondary scoring to get confidence and with Johansson scoring today too, that’s the kind of effort we need.”
[WATCH: All Red Wings vs. Sabres highlights]
Jonathan Bernier made 22 saves in the loss.
“It’s hard for everybody — old guy, young guy — it’s not easy to be in this situation,” Helm said. “But there’s a good thing that we’re still, I think, working pretty hard, we’re still coming out with some energy. It doesn’t always go great for us, but I think we’re still competing hard.”
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