For the first time in over a decade, the Buffalo Sabres are first in their division. Buffalo’s monumental win over the Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday evening helped solidify their spot as the king of the hill in the Atlantic.
The quest for first place was a battle for Buffalo, and did certainly not come easy. Buffalo and Tampa would duke it out in a three-hour slugfest that featured 15 total goals, and 102 penalty minutes.
Josh Doan would begin the scoring frenzy, helping Buffalo take the lead early on. The Sabres would follow Doan’s lead adding two additional goals (Jason Zucker, Alex Tuch) before the Lightning would tally a goal. The second period would be even more chaotic, with Alex Tuch scoring a shorthanded goal, only to be overlooked by Tampa scoring three quick goals (Nikita Kucherov, Zemgus Girgensons, JJ Moser) to tie the game up before the second intermission.
It is also worth noting that the Sabres and Lightning weren’t only trading goals, but punches as well. Players from both teams brought the physicality Sunday night, exchanging fights, jabs, and plenty of time in the penalty box.
Absolute chaos to start the game 😲
Along with the 102 total penalty minutes for both teams, there were also 5 fighting majors. Additionally, Tampa’s Brandon Hagel was fined $5,000 for acting as the aggressor against Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin.
Ultimately, the Sabres would rally back after allowing two more Tampa goals and continuing to go back and forth in the third period. Buffalo would end up winning this contest 8-7, stealing first place in the Atlantic Division from Tampa Bay, and also moving up to second place in the Eastern Conference, only trailing the Carolina Hurricanes.
GettySabres celebrate goal vs Lightning
Back On Top 15 Years Later
With the Sabres now leading the Atlantic Division, this is the first time a Sabres team has done so since 2010. The Sabres last won their division (last called the Northeast Division) 15 years ago on April 11, 2010, and look to break that 15 year streak this season.
“Finally, finally we’re here… I’m so fired up, I’m so happy. I’m so happy for Buffalo as a city, for all the fans too. This means the world.” said Sabres Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.
Sabres Head Coach Lindy Ruff was also impressed with Buffalo’s resilience, saying, “You see a couple guys, their faces a little swollen, a couple little scrapes. It just puts a smile on your face. That’s my kind of hockey.”
GettyRasmus Dahlin
What’s next for Buffalo
There is still plenty of hockey left to be played for the Sabres this season. The Sabres will remain at home in Buffalo for their next three games against the Sharks (3/10), Capitals (3/12), and Maple Leafs (3/14).
Buffalo looks to keep on winning, ensuring their lead as the best team in the Atlantic Division, as well as moving on to contend in the post-season.
Sabres Take First In The Atlantic