Enroth Impressive in Sabres Comeback Victory

Jhonas Enroth makes a stick save during the first period.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)

Last night's game in Montreal was hockey at its finest and the action packed shootout had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.  In fact, I think it is safe to say that the whole third period had me falling off the couch with sweaty hands and a racing heart. The Sabres fell behind 2-0 before coming back to force a shootout in which they fell behind 2-0 again.  Facing a must-score three times, the Sabres came back for the victory supported by strong play from their goalie.

Jhonas Enroth came through in his first NHL start in 2011 in front of a sellout crowd at the Bell Centre in Montreal Tuesday night.  He may be the answer for this team when it comes to shootouts as he is 3-0 now.  He was already the first goalie in league history to earn his first two career wins in shootouts, and now he has earned his third in the same fashion.  The first two goals he allowed in the shootout last night may have seemed weak but he instantly redeemed himself.  Enroth stopped seven of Montreal's final eight shooters before Jochen Hecht netted the winner in the 10th round.  The teams also combined for seven shootout goals, which match an NHL record.  Looking at Enroth's six games played this season, has he had a bad outing?  I don't think so.  The future looks bright for this young man.  I hope he can find a spot on the Sabres roster in the future behind Ryan Miller because Patrick Lalime has pretty much rendered himself useless.  Miller's workload will be getting tough real soon as well.  There are six more games this month (all at home) and sixteen games in the month of March with the first seven being on the road.  Howard Simon mentioned in his recent blog post that "Miller's workload should not be an issue."  What do you readers think?  Drew Stafford scored again and is now leading the team with 24 goals (19 in his last 22 games, 9 in his last 5).  The last Sabre to go on such a scoring binge was Pat LaFontaine.

Playoff odds for Wednesday are up 7.3 to 52.9%.  Buffalo is 4-0-1 in their last five games.  Thomas Vanek is now 5-5 in shootout attempts this season.  Buffalo is 5-0 in shootouts this season.  The Sabres will be home tonight to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:00pm EST.  There are three other games around the NHL tonight that have an impact on Buffalo's playoff odds.  Carolina is at New Jersey, Philadelphia is at Florida, and Washington is at Anaheim.