Wednesday’s 4-1 road victory against the Dallas Stars ranks as one of the Buffalo Sabres’ most impressive outings during their 10-game win streak.
In tying the franchise record for most consecutive wins and moving into the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, the Sabres disposed of one of the NHL’s heavyweights.
“It was like a playoff game,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters following the game. “It was two good teams playing hockey.”
After falling behind 1-0 just 15 seconds into the game, the Sabres never looked back after winger Josh Doan tied the contest 7:44 into the second period. Defenseman Bowen Byram’s go-ahead goal 17:05 into the second was all the Sabres needed.
Center Tage Thompson’s two goals in the third sealed the victory.
As the Sabres have illustrated over and over throughout the past three weeks, if they grab a lead, they can lock down and grind out a win.
“It wasn’t the start we wanted, but I think the confidence of the team is that we can come back and win games,” Ruff said.
Before the Sabres began their streak Dec. 9 by beating the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in overtime, having mustered just 26 points (11-14-4), they ranked last in the Eastern Conference, eight points out of a playoff spot.
Today, they own the eighth and final postseason spot. Right now, they have 46 points (21-14-4), one more than the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
