BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a game against Philadelphia, Ryan McLeod contributed a goal and two assists, marking a significant milestone for Lindy Ruff as he became the fifth NHL coach to achieve 900 career wins.
The Sabres` victory also saw contributions from Alex Tuch, JJ Peterka, and Jack Quinn, each scoring a goal and providing an assist. Peyton Krebs further solidified Buffalo`s lead with a short-handed goal. Goaltender James Reimer was instrumental in the win, making 21 saves and concluding his season with a record of 10-10-2, with eight wins in his last ten starts.
Lindy Ruff now stands alongside Paul Maurice of Florida (with 916 wins) as the only active NHL coaches to have surpassed the 900-win mark. During his tenure with the Sabres, including his current second stint, Ruff has accumulated 607 wins with the team, placing him second only to Al Arbour, who achieved 740 wins with the Islanders, for most wins with a single franchise.
For the Flyers, rookie Matvei Michkov ended a six-game scoring drought with two goals, while Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink each scored a goal and registered an assist. Goalie Aleksei Kolosov, also a rookie, blocked 26 shots. Despite their efforts, the Flyers` loss confirmed their position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference for the second time in their history.
The Sabres nearly lost a commanding 4-1 lead in the second period, but McLeod secured their victory with an empty-net goal in the final 48 seconds, ensuring Buffalo maintained the lead throughout the game.
PENGUINS 5, CAPITALS 2
In another game, Bryan Rust scored twice, and Sidney Crosby added a goal and an assist, surpassing the 90-point mark for the season, as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2.
Tristan Blackwood