Derek Roy’s overtime game-winner keeps Buffalo Sabres in Playoffs, down Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 –NHL
Buffalo was on the edge entering their Tuesday night, April 3, 2012, matchup against Toronto as it was a do or die for the Eastern Conference team. Derek Roy’s overtime game-winner kept the Sabres alive as they downed Maple Leafs, 6-5, at the sold-out First
Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York.
Maple Leafs took all possible steps to keep Buffalo out of playoff contention as they had nothing to lose, but now with two more games remaining on the schedule, Sabres have an ample opportunity to overtake eighth place Washington Capitals.
Both Washington and Buffalo are tied at 88 games apiece and with the Sabres having an extra game left to play, it could mean a playoff-less season for the Capitals, something they have not experienced in a long time.
Tyler Bozak showed off some spectacular skills in the opening period as he scored two back-to-back at the 6:13 and 14:49 mark. Matt Frattin sealed the fate of Buffalo after a third straight Toronto goal at 16:42, which had the crowd baffled at what was happening.
Fans started shouting for a change in goaltending but the Buffalo coaching staff was more than content with veteran goalie, Ryan Miller, and knew he would eventually pull them through.
Luckily, Buffalo rebounded in round-two as Tyler Ennis kicked it off on a power play with Joey Crabb out for tripping and Alexander Sulzer making the breakaway goal midway through. Sulzer’s second of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season
made it a one point game heading into the third, resulting in an intense competition.
Clarke MacArthur potted his 20th of the season, widening the gap for Toronto and shocking the crowd, but Derek Roy was right behind to keep it a one point game. Jake Gardiner attempted to further wash away hopes of a late comeback but Alexander
Sulzer was there again to bring it back while Jordan Leopold amazingly made the equaliser at 18:07 to force the overtime extension.
Roy did not stop there and gave the crowd of nearly 19,000 to scream for joy as he potted the OT game-winner on a crucial power play opportunity with Dion Phaneuf out for delaying the game.
Buffalo is committed to overtake Washington this time around but their next two game might just be the toughest they have ever had to face up until now. Sabres go on to face Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday and Boston Bruins the following Saturday.
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