BUFFALO – Winger Luke Adam believes he should’ve scored “a couple more” goals in the Sabres’ 3-2 overtime triumph Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“But I won’t complain with one,” Adam said after scoring his first goal in his fourth NHL game this season.
Adam, who had three or four strong scoring chances near the net Wednesday, finally converted against the Leafs, burying Zemgus Girgensons’ big rebound in the right circle 18:50 into the second period.
“It feels good. It’s a release,” said Adam, who had 13 goals in 15 AHL games. “I think each and every game I’ve been playing since I got here I’ve been building more at a time and getting more and more confident.”
The 23-year-old nearly scored again with 6:20 left in the regulation. But Leafs goalie James Reimer made a sprawling glove save, keeping the game tied at 2. Adam immediately tilted his head back in frustration (see above).
Still, nothing was going to ruin Adam’s night. It was just his second NHL score in his last 28 games.
“It was frustrating at times to get those opportunities I was getting,” Adam said. “Last game I thought I should’ve had a couple goals. Even in the first period and early on in the second I missed a couple in front of the net. It’s nice to finally get that one to go in.”
Interim Sabres coach Ted Nolan added: “The difference between the American League and this league, we talked about it, is just little quick second quicker getting where you have to. Tonight he seemed to adjust pretty well.”
