Sabres Win the Goalie Duel Nobody Wanted in Anaheim
Anaheim had more of the puck and more pucks on net, and still lost a 13-goal track meet. That's because this one was settled between the pipes, where Buffalo got just enough more saves.
The chances were almost a dead heat. By expected goals (how many goals each side's chances were worth), Buffalo sat at 4.38 and Anaheim at 4.24. The Ducks outshot the Sabres 34-30 and edged them in shot attempts. Neither side was in control. The difference was who kept pucks out.
Colten Ellis stopped 28 of 34, which was nothing special but enough. Ville Husso stopped 23 of 30, and seven goals against on a night of even chances is a tough one to wear. Buffalo also went 2 for 3 on the power play.
Cutter Gauthier was Anaheim's most dangerous skater. He put 10 shots on net and scored twice, and he also rang a post. Nick Jensen hit iron too. Those two posts were a small but real swing in a one-goal game.
For Buffalo, Jack Quinn got some of the best looks of anyone and scored once. For the Sabres the result counted more than the performance: Buffalo moved to 5-4-3, while Anaheim dropped to 5-6-1 with another lead of goals against to answer for.
