Buffalo > Wings

Going to this season, any Wings fan had to figure that some blowout games would happen. These games are a rare occasion to Wings fans, but everything came together for the Sabres last night in Buffalo. Unfortunately, everything worked for Buffalo when their opponent was the Red Wings. I wouldn’t put too much stock in the loss, as long as this stays an isolated incident.

What gave Buffalo the win was the Sabres’ first high-scoring game all year. In their first three games, the Sabres went 2-0-1 due to sensational play by goalie Ryan Miller. Those three games were a 2-1 loss in overtime to Montreal, a 2-1 win over Phoenix, and a 1-0 win over Nashville. Combined, that’s only four goals scored and three goals given up. Remarkably enough for Buffalo, a six-goal explosion came against the Red Wings. The Sabres scored more last night than the rest of the season combined. It’s not something you can count on, and it’s just a fluke thing.

Meanwhile, Ryan Miller is carrying the Sabres like Dominik Hasek used to. Both eras of Sabres hockey relied upon a top goalie and just enough offense to win games, with the roster largely made up of younger talent. Miller is giving up just over a goal per game, and that play does not need much to back it up.

On the Red Wings side, Chris Osgood did not have a good night, which happens. Luckily, this game was only against the Sabres, where the lost points won’t get used against us by a conference rival down the line. It was also good to see Jimmy Howard get some in-game action, although he has to keep his rebounds under control. Howard seems like he’s not in control out there, with signs of scrambling for the puck that are constantly evident.

Speaking of comebacks, Darren Helm made his season debut last night, and had a relatively uneventful night.

Goal-wise, Valtteri Filppula is showing signs of a good season with his scoring play off of a Kronwall centering pass. Filppula almost had a second goal, but was denied on a penalty shot opportunity in the second period. Tomas Holmstrom had the Red Wings’ other goal, off of a beautiful tip-in during the third period. Homer is having an excellent start to the season, which is wonderful to see.

The Wings’ next game is Thursday night, when the Los Angeles Kings come to the Joe Louis Arena.