Lightning-Sabres: Tampa Bay Snatches Defeat From Hands of Victory

(Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

As I got ready Saturday night to sit down and watch two teams that I like, the Buffalo Sabers and Tampa Bay Lightning, I had only two questions.

Could Buffalo came away from a team-building resort retreat in Florida and actually play a full 60-minute effort? And could this be as entertaining game as I hoped for in my mind?

The answer to both questions was a resounding "no."

As I sat in front of the plasma television main-lining 5-hour Energy to try and keep my focus on a game that had far more low points than highlights.

Both teams struggled to muster quality scoring chances all night. At the end of the first, Vinny Lecavalier got Tampa on the board for a 1-0 lead going into the second.

That goal made me hold out hope that maybe, just maybe, the second period would start with a furious offensive pace. But it was another disappointment.

Mike Grier knotted the game 1-1 with a late-period goal.

Just a little over the four-minute mark into the third, Steven Stamkos showed he loves to play against Buffalo, netting his team-high seventh goal of the season to give Tampa the lead.

Both Mike Smith and Ryan Miller made timely saves for their teams, but nothing spectacular.

Tampa Bay seemed to have the game wrapped up until, with 17 seconds left on the clock, Buffalo's extra man, Drew Stafford, snapped the twine to tie the game 2-2.

Overtime would prove useless for both teams. They were on to the shootout.

It took six rounds for a goal to be scored by either team. When it was over, Buffalo was getting back on the jet after grabbing two points they really did not deserve.

For Tampa, the game had to be heartbreaking. The blue line still needs some work. There is far too much time spent chasing their own tail when play is in their end.

As for Buffalo, the players that are paid to score are not doing it regularly enough. Whether it be from not battling hard in front of the net or not trying to create chances, they seem lifeless too many times in a 60-minute game.

Tampa will enjoy a four-day rest before getting back at it Thursday night when they host the Ottawa Senators.  

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