Now come the changes.
The Buffalo Sabres raced to an early lead and by no means surrendered it of their Recreation 1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Heart on Wednesday. Either side got here away from the competition feeling that they had alternatives to attain greater than they did, and neither felt they performed their greatest recreation.
In different phrases, we’ll see two groups trying to take it up a gear after they meet for Recreation 2 at KeyBank Heart on Friday.
“Total, a very good Recreation 1, understanding that as a staff there are issues we will do higher,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff mentioned Thursday.
Buffalo had slight edges in shot makes an attempt (38-37) and high-danger scoring possibilities (10-7) at 5-on-5, in keeping with Pure Stat Trick. Each groups scored on the facility play (Buffalo went 2-for-3; Montreal went 1-for-2).
Tightening up defensively towards Montreal’s prime gamers – one thing the Sabres did properly of their sequence towards Boston – will likely be an space of focus.
“I believe we generally is a lot higher,” Ruff mentioned after Recreation 1. “That features taking time and ice away. I believed we did an important job within the Boston sequence. I believed this recreation was slightly little bit of a step again the place we gave them an excessive amount of ice.”
The puck drops at 7 p.m. Right here’s what you’ll want to know within the meantime.