As a young team looking to grow from rebuilding to a serious playoff contender, the Buffalo Sabres need to learn how to close out games.
Last night was a perfect opportunity - entering the third period with a 2-1 lead on the road, the Sabres could have shut the Flames down to pick up two more points on their West Coast road trip.
Instead, they gave up two goals in the first 5 minutes of the period, missed out on some incredibly good chances of their own late in the game, and lost in overtime 4-3.
Three points in two games on a road trip isn’t all bad, but if this team is going to make the playoffs, these are the points that make the difference.