The best period of the Buffalo Sabres’ season to date didn’t come in a win. But it could have plenty of impact on the team’s mindset heading into Thursday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in First Niagara Center.
On Oct. 17 in Amalie Arena, the Sabres dominated the opening 20 minutes against the Lightning. Sam Reinhart got his first NHL goal and Buffalo outshot a team four months removed from the Stanley Cup final by an astounding 16-3 count.
The 1-0 lead didn’t last, however, as the Lightning eventually pulled out a 2-1 won on Alex Killorn’s power-play goal with 3:57 left.