Another Injury, Another Loss

Is it a surprise to anyone that yet another Sabres player has been injured? Derek Roy left the game with an upper-body injury and did not return.

The Sabres managed to stay with the Hurricanes through 40 minutes of play, which is usually a goal for the road team. However, Carolina took control of the game with a pair of third period goals, and then an empty netter to make the final score 4-2.

The Sabres have now given up at least three goals in 15 of the past 18 games and have lost six consecutive road games.

There weren’t any penalties in the opening period, but it didn’t take long for the Hurricanes to connect on their first power play of the games.

It took three minutes to score two goals to start the second period, one for each team.

Justin Faulk earned his third goal of the season as he put Carolina on top 1-0. The Sabres responded quickly, just 21 seconds later, as Thomas Vanek netted his 19th of the season to knot the game again.

Eric Staal, who came into the game with a league-worst -23 rating, scored from behind the net early in the third period, giving his team a 2-1 lead. Robyn Regehr played him well, but Staal was able to find a way to sneak it into the net.

However, the Sabres responded again, and although it wasn’t pretty, it got the job done. Jason Pominville knocked the puck off of a Carolina stick, and it found its way past Cam Ward, tying the game at two.

The Sabres gave up a 2-0n-1 rush, and the Hurricanes took advantage of it as Chad LaRose scored his 11th of the season to beat Miller and retake a one goal lead.

Buffalo had a powerplay with just a few minutes remaining, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The man advantage was negated when Luke Adam took a high-sticking penalty.

The Sabres pulled the goaltender, but the Hurricanes scored the empty netter, sealing the victory and sending the Sabres home with no points.

With Roy’s injury, it is not yet known whether or not he will be able to play Saturday against Winnipeg. Only four Sabres (Vanek, Roy, Adam and Pominville) have played in every game so far this season.

The Sabres will head home and prepare to take on the Winnipeg Jets. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday.