Sabres Ring the Iron Twice as Flyers Escape Buffalo 3-1
Buffalo had the better looks, rattled the iron twice, and still lost 3-1 at home to the Philadelphia Flyers. The difference was Dan Vladar.
The Sabres' chances were worth more than four and a half goals, measured by expected goals (how many goals a team's chances would usually produce): 4.65 to Philadelphia's 3.42. They got one. Vladar stopped 26 of 27 shots, including 11 of 12 from the most dangerous areas. By goals saved above expected, how many more goals he kept out than an average goalie would, he finished at +3.65.
Buffalo also came within inches. Jack Quinn and Zach Benson, who played together with Noah Ostlund, each hit the iron once. Quinn added an assist, and Jason Zucker scored Buffalo's lone goal.
At the other end, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 23 saves on 26 shots. Cole Knuble scored twice for Philadelphia and Trevor Zegras added the other. The Flyers didn't win on sustained pressure. Their goalie won it for them.
