Dec 11, 2013 | Jeff Domangue | 677 views
Sabres Rake Leafs, 7-2
This week the Boys in Black were all business as they took on the Ancaster Leafs. Coming off last week's disjointed contest against the Thrashers, the Sabres took the lessons learned in practice to heart and pulled together for their best team effort of the season, with heads-up play leading to goals from five different players.
This week's game saw a shakeup on the team's lines, as some of our regular defensemen like Braeden moved up to forward to showcase their offensive chops. Daniel lined up on defense this week and showed that he's becoming a well-rounded player, staking out his territory in front of the Sabres net. Rookie goalie Mark gave a stellar performance in net, holding the Leafs to only two goals with his retro stand-up style of netminding.
The Sabres got the scoring started early with a one-two punch. Thomas led off at 25 seconds into the game with a top-shelf rocket from the right face-off circle, and two minutes later Zachary blasted a low shot which deflected up off the goalie's stick and tumbled over his shoulder for goal number two. The Leafs struggled in the first period against a solid wall of defenders, as Michael and Harry frustrated their attempts to break the puck out of their end, while Andrew continued to press his attack on offense.
Period two saw the Leafs strike back with a goal at 8:21. Two minutes later, Tobin, AKA "Johnny Dangles" wove his way through three defenders and lifted the puck over an outstretched leg pad on the blocker side to make the score 3-1. The Sabres blueliners started handing out the rejection notices as "Not In My House" Nathaniel kept the Leafs at bay with tough play in front of his own net. The pressure on the Leafs net would only increase as Jack combined quick rushes and tenacious forechecking to open up scoring opportunities for his teammates. Cole would jump on one of those opportunities late in the second period, scooping up a loose puck in front of the Leafs' net and hammering it home for the Sabres' fourth goal. This was also Cole's first career hockey goal - congratulations, Cole!
As the third period began, it seemed like the Sabres only got faster. The pressure intensified on the Leafs defense in the form of new forward Kyle, who stripped pucks from multiple Leafs forward and flew toward their net, keeping their blueliners on their heels. Xavier gave his most exciting performance of the season, backchecking, forechecking, and weaving through multiple defenders in the neutral zone with the puck, displaying an amazing work effort and showing just how skilled of a player he is. Doughty defender Nathan continued to dominate his zone, with sliding blocks, pinching off breakaways by pressing rushing forwards to the outside, and stealing pucks with sneaky stick-checking. Putting together an impressive display of teamwork, Harry cleared the puck out of his own end to center Tobin, who connected with a pass to Braeden on the wing for goal number six. For his part in this victory, goalie Mark was awarded the highly coveted Ancaster Sabres Hardhat. Great job, Mark! And thanks to all the Sabres players for giving their absolute best effort all game - you do your team proud!