Buffalo Sabres Make NHL History with Rare Feat Not Achieved Since 1965-66
The Buffalo Sabres made some bizarre history on Wednesday night, and put themselves in the win column in the strangest of ways.
It was just supposed to be a regular game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night. With the Sabres trying to still fight for a playoff spot, and Carolina trying to solidify their position in the Metropolitan Division, it was sure to be exciting nonetheless.
Buffalo ended up coming away with the 4-2 win over the Canes, and are slowly making a claim to be a dark horse playoff contender, especially if they keep their momentum going.
Their momentum also might have a horseshoe attached, as Buffalo got lucky on Wednesday and made some pretty big history.
They Don't Shoot, They Score! Buffalo Sabres Make History In Bizarre Fashion
Yes, that's right. The Buffalo Sabres ended up scoring a goal on Wednesday without registering a shot. While it seems like it could be something out of a work of fiction, best believe this is as real and strange as it gets.
It also solidified a hat-trick for Buffalo forward Ryan McLeod, but the circumstances around them are quite the conversation starter. After Tage Thompson ended up taking a shot at the empty net, he hit the post and McLeod gave chase.
However, defenseman Brent Burns got in the way and disrupted McLeod before he could get a stick on it, but the referees ruled it a penalty shot and since Carolina was sans goaltender, the rules state a goal is automatically awarded.
It's the first time in NHL history since the League began tracking these stats, that a team has scored a goal without registering a shot throughout the entire period.
It's a good thing Buffalo scored in the first two periods, leading 3-0 before nearly coughing up the lead as Carolina pushed it to 3-2 but the bizarre empty netter sealed the deal.
The win pushed the Sabres record to 17-22-5 and only ten points out of a Wild Card spot.
The loss sent Carolina to their second straight, and brings their record to 26-16-3 as the team currently sits third in the Metropolitan Division.
