Mishkin's Extra Shift: Sabres 6, Lightning 5 - OT

This game was a mixed bag for the Lightning. They surrendered six goals, including three on breakaways and a fourth on a three-on-one rush. On the other hand, they showed great resilience. Three times they found themselves down by two goals, but they kept battling. Thanks to a three-goal third period, they tied the game at five and forced overtime, earning a point in the process.

The Sabres are one of the league's highest-scoring teams, entering third in goals scored per game. They also are one of the leakiest defensive clubs, ranking 25th in goals allowed per game. This contest followed that model. They generated plenty of scoring chances, but yielded many as well.
But the Lightning don't want to play that kind of game. And they were stung by Buffalo's dynamic scoring duo of Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner. Thompson netted a hat trick, finishing the three-on-one rush (during a Buffalo power play) and two breakaways. Twice Skinner delivered the pass to Thompson that led to a goal. In other words, the Lightning allowed two of Buffalo's most dangerous players to make plays in open ice.
They also gave up a second period goal off the rush to Jack Quinn, who finished a look from the slot. In the first, a defensive zone turnover led to Buffalo's opening tally.
The Lightning were able to convert on five of their own scoring chances too. Brayden Point was dynamic in attacking the Buffalo defensive zone. He figured in the scoring on all three of the Lightning's third-period goals.
Emotions ran high on both sides during the game. There were several big hits and some penalty calls missed. The Sabres were angry with a non-call following Erik Cernak's hit on Kyle Okposo late in the third. Then, while on an overtime power play, the Lightning were upset about a non-call on Ilya Lyubushkin, whose takedown of Steven Stamkos led to a turnover and Lyubushkin's winning overtime tally.
Despite the loss, the Lightning's third period comeback ensured that they added a point to their standings total. But as Pat Maroon said afterwards, the Lightning didn't play the sort of hockey they know they'll need once the playoffs begin. They'll look to tighten up defensively when they visit Detroit and Pittsburgh this weekend.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Phil Esposito):
1. Tage Thompson - Sabres. Hat trick.
2. Brayden Point - Lightning. Goal and three assists.
3. Victor Hedman - Lightning. Goal and assist.