The Buffalo Sabres got off to an early 3-0 lead and were able to stave off a late Canucks attack to earn a 5-3 win Saturday night and put them within two points of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Overshadowing the Sabres' recent surge up the standings was the return of Cody Hodgson to Vancouver less than a week after being shipped off to Buffalo in a trade for Zack Kassian. Kassian, who finished with a goal, an assist, three shots and a game high seven hits in only 10:40 of icetime, was more noticeable than Hodgson in the game, and won the battle of the "tradees" on the night. He was also named the game's first star (although Ryan Miller easily should have been the first star).
Hodgson finished the night with three shots, was a plus one and finished with just under 17 minutes of icetime.
Ville Leino scored two goals in the first four minutes, and Brad Boyes scored only a minute and a half later to give Buffalo an early 3-0 lead and pull Roberto Luongo from the game.
David Booth responded for Vancouver late in the 2nd period to cut the deficit to two goals.
Early in the 3rd, former Canuck Christian Ehrhoff beat Corey Schneider from the point on a shot that deflected off of Aaron Rome's skate to once again give the Sabres a three goal lead. Shortly after, Booth potted his 2nd goal of the game to get Vancouver back within striking difference. Then with under three minutes remaining in the game, Kassian scored his first goal as a Canuck to make the score 4-3. Tyler Ennis scored an empty-netter with just over a minute left to seal the win for Buffalo who have now won three games in a row.
Vancouver outshot Buffalo 35-25 in the game, but shot themselves in the foot early by giving up the 3-0 lead to the Sabres. Daniel and Henrik Sedin were left off the scoresheet. Henrik has now been pointless in 9 of his last 12 games.
Vancouver resumes their season-high seven game homestand Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars.
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