The Bruins were able to edge the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 in overtime in a hard-fought Northeast division clash. Milan Lucic and Patrice Bergeron (game winner) were the goal scorers for B's. Meanwhile, Tuukka Rask was solid all night long, turning aside 25 shots including a few crucial timely saves.
The Buffalo Sabres drew first blood 4:20 into the game on a power play goal by Paul Gaustad with Byron Bitz in the box for a hook. Gaustad was stationed at the top of the crease and re-directed Jason Pominville's shot past Tuukka Rask.
Milan Lucic made it 1-1 with 9:06 left in the second period. Byron Bitz skated in and slid a pass to Lucic, who was driving hard to the net. Goaltender Tuukka Rask started the rush and picked up his first career NHL assist on Lucic's goal.
After a scoreless third period, the Bruins and Sabres headed to overtime where the Bruins would get the game winner from Patrice Begeron 47 seconds into the extra session. Zdeno Chara threw a soft wrist shot towards the net and Bergeron deflected it out of mid-air to beat Ryan Miller and secure two points for the B's.
Notes:
- Milan Lucic is officially back. Tonight was Milan Lucic's second game since returning from a broken finger and Looch looked to be back to his old self tonight. In 13:40 of ice time, Lucic scored a goal, recorded 4 hits, and finished the night with a +1 rating. Lucic sent a message early in the game when he laid a huge hit on Henrik Tallinder.
- Ryan Miller made 24 saves for the Sabres, as both teams recorded 26 shots on goal.
- Bruins out-shot the Sabres 14-3 in the second period.
- Bruins will travel to St. Louis to face the Blues on Monday night.
3 Stars of the Game (not Timmy's controversial view, but the NHL's officially recorded stat)
1st Star: Milan Lucic (goal, 4 hits, +1)
2nd Star: Paul Gaustad (goal, 6 hits, even)
3rd Star: Tuukka Rask (25 saves on 26 shots, assist)