Buffalo Sabres Get off on the Right Foot in Helsinki with a Win over the Ducks

This Buffalo Sabres need to avoid a rough start to their season.

They came out strong and won their opener in Helsinki against the Ducks 4-1. That’s something they didn’t do last year. 

The biggest reason why the Sabres won is Thomas Vanek, who scored two goals and added an assist. Both of those goals were on the power play.

Jason Pominville also notched a goal and two assists. It’s extremely important for him to get on track, especially since he was named Captain two days ago. New addition Ville Leino managed to slip in the Sabres’ other goal. 

Ryan Miller pulled in a solid effort, letting in one goal on 30 shots. The team’s defense as a whole kept the Ducks’ big guns off the scoreboard.

More than anything, this team needs Miller to be strong and stay healthy all year. If he can be effectively spelled by Jhonas Enroth, he should be able to stay off the injury list.

He also has a stronger defense in front of him this season with Robyn Regehr and Christian Erhoff joining the corps. 

Lets hope these two games they play to begin the season in Europe don’t leave them jet-lagged when they have to return to New York. They play the Los Angles Kings tomorrow before heading back for games in Buffalo later next week.

They will open their home schedule against the Carolina Hurricanes before heading out on a four-game road trip. 

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