Eichel’s effort not enough

A back-and-forth game ended up with Detroit on top. The Sabres and Red Wings traded goals, but Tomas Tatar’s shot with 2:50 remaining in the third period turned out to be the game winner on Saturday afternoon at the First Niagara Center. 

The late goal was devastating for Buffalo, who had come back two separate times during the game, but skated away without a point. The loss is Buffalo’s fourth straight as they remain in the basement of the Atlantic Division. 

“It’s tough not to get frustrated, but it’s a long year and the chances have been there. Good teams find a way to win. If we want to be one of them, we’re going to have to find ways to win in situations like that.” – Sam Reinhart

Despite the regulation loss, the Sabres stuck with the Red Wings and showed once again that they’re not going to go down easy.

Jack Eichel got the Sabres back in the game by scoring two goals in 2:01. He utilized Jamie McGinn’s screen to perfection as he ripped a shot into the top corner of the net for a power play goal, bringing the Sabres within a goal.

A couple of minutes later, Eichel took advantage of a Red Wings defenseman falling down in his own zone, and the Sabres’ rookie banked it off Petr Mrazek and into the net as he went sailing into the boards, tying the game at two.

Eichel gave the Sabres another great scoring opportunity late in the third with his team down by a goal. He set up Zach Bogosian with a breakaway pass, but Mrazek was able to make the save. 

“It’s nice to have some fight, but we have to come out like that right away.” – Zach Bogosian

Earlier in the third and after a pair of penalties by Mike Green, the Sabres took advantage. Sam Reinhart put in a rebound to tie the game at three.

Brad Richards, Riley Sheahan and Henrik Zetterberg scored the other goals for Detroit, who snapped their three-game losing streak.

The Sabres are scheduled to take on the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. That game will be a 7:05 p.m. puck drop at the First Niagara Center.