Buffalo Sabres On A Mini New Year’s Streak

Quite possibly the Buffalo Sabres have turned the corner.  Since the first of the year they've taken seven of a possible eight points against some good hockey teams including Tuesday night's 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

For the second game in a row against the Flyers the Sabres took a 3-0 lead into the third period.  Last time the two teams met the Flyers scored three times in the third period to tie the game, then won it in a shootout.  Different story this time; the Sabres limited the Flyers chances and most importantly didn't make a parade to the penalty box that turned out to be so costly in that last game.

Sam Reinhart scored on the power play and set up two other Buffalo goals.  William Carrier, Evander Kane and Marcus Foligno into and empty net also scored.  Ryan O'Reilly finished with a pair of assists.

Anders Nilsson got the start in goal and came within two minutes of a shutout when the Flyers finally beat him on the power play.  Nilsson played in place of Robin Lehner who came down with the flu.

The Sabres play at Tampa Bay on Thursday night.