Sabres-Lightning: Buffalo Shocks Tampa In a 4-3 Win

Both the Buffalo Sabres and the Tampa Bay Lightning have struggled to have much offense lately, but tonight's game would change that for both teams.

Head coach Lindy Ruff decided it was time for another player call up and more line changes. This time the results were far better than the last attempt.

Nathan Gerbe the speedy winger who is drawing comparisons to Martin St.Louis for his size and quickness was called up from Portland for tonight's game, and Mark Mancari Buffalo's last forward call up was returned to Portland.

Thomas Vanek found himself in a new place playing on a line with Jochen Hecht and Jason Pominville. While Gerbe was playing along side Derek Roy and Drew Stafford.

Buffalo struck first when Stafford netted his fourth of the season. However, an immediate reply was issued by Tampa as Marty St. Louis scored to tie the game at one going into intermission.

The second period was a mirror image of the first as Buffalo started the scoring with Thomas Vanek's 19th of the season to give Buffalo the one goal lead once again. Tampa was up for the challenge tonight because Paul Ranger just 35 seconds later tied the game yet again for Tampa.

Jochen Hecht was next up for Buffalo's offensive break-out as he deposited his third goal of the season, and gave Buffalo the lead for the third consecutive time of the game. Deja vu struck again. This time 39 seconds is all it took as Vaclav Prospal tied the game up for Tampa at three.

Watching the game, it was evident the team that could shut down the opposing teams transition was going to win this game. Buffalo was that team. Derek Roy capped off the scoring for the night netting the game winning goal mid way through the third period to give Buffalo the last goal they would need to get the win.

Tampa put tremendous pressure on the final five minutes of the third period, but Ryan Miller was up to the task. Buffalo broke their four game losing streak and is headed to Pittsburgh for a game Monday against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.

Notes from the game:

Craig Rivet is playing through an injury showing the team what toughness is all about. Excuse me Tin man Connolly are you paying attention?

Nathan Gerbe played a decent game. I do not get too over excited about a players first call up, since they usually play great for a couple games then come back down to Earth. I will say I love his speed and the fact that it is controlled unlike Max Afinogenov's speed. Afinogenov has an issue where his legs work much faster than his brain. Gerbe is the exact opposite.

Miller looked decent tonight. One goal was a tip in from a "d" man out by the circle that stunned him, but overall solid peformance.

Good to see Jochen Hecht show a bit of emotion in his fight. Along with Adam Mair who  had a decent fight as well. 

Teppo still needs to be off the powerplay and get a few games rest.

Roy is starting to come into form, and Stafford has played the best he has in a year.

Buffalo needs to hold leads without giving them up so quick. They gave away the lead three times tonight.

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