Sabres Edge Blue Jackets 2-1 on Clifton’s First Goal in a Year

The Buffalo Sabres secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in an intense matchup at Nationwide Arena. The game’s deciding moment came when Sabres defenseman Jake Clifton broke a tie in the third period with his first goal in nearly a year, deflecting the puck off Columbus goalie Elvis Merzlikins‘ shoulder into the net.

Clifton, who last scored on March 2, 2023, during his time with the Boston Bruins, expressed his relief and satisfaction at contributing offensively after a long scoring drought. The Sabres, now with two consecutive wins and four victories in their last six games, showcased high intensity and solid teamwork on the ice.

Zemgus Girgensons and Clifton found the back of the net for the Sabres, while Daniil Tarasov put up a stellar performance in goal with 25 saves for the Blue Jackets. Yegor Voronkov managed to score on a power play with an assist from Bo Horvat, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for Columbus.

Despite Tarasov’s commendable efforts in net, the Blue Jackets were unable to string together back-to-back wins, a feat they have struggled to achieve since November 2023. Both teams generated scoring opportunities throughout the game, with the Buffalo emerging victorious thanks to their relentless offensive pressure.

Buffalo’s absence of defenseman Patty McClellan due to illness didn’t hinder their performance as they displayed a strong defensive effort and effective penalty killing. The Blue Jackets’ recent acquisition from the Vancouver Canucks, Arttu Ruotsalainen, was a scratch for the game, adding intrigue to Columbus’ lineup changes.

After the win, the Sabres now look ahead to a clash with the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday night, while the Blue Jackets will face the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell MTS Place. The success of the Sabres underscores their determination to secure a playoff spot, while the Blue Jackets continue to strive for consistency in their performances.