Sabres survives Devils’ comeback -bud of 3. Just victory

Five minutes in, Noesen took a race on Thompson near Buffalo’s offensive blue line and drilled him with an elbow in the head. Sabres’ leading goal scorer required help from the ice and his three-point afternoon was abbreviated.

“Definitely a hit that you don’t like,” Ruff said. “This penalty was well deserved.”

Sabre’s players who spoke after the game complained about their lack of immediate reaction to hit, as well as the fact that Noesen, who received a combat penalty, avoided further consequences for his malicious control.

“We have to work on it,” said Captain Rasmus Dahlin. “I think that’s a thing that can’t happen.”

Ruff said players on the bench intended to respond, but Jack Hughes’ short -haired goal of the ensuing Power Play cut their lead to one, and the team’s focus changed to protect his lead down the stretch.

“I know I had a couple of guys who would go after him right away,” Ruff said.

On the question of the external perception that the sabers were unwilling to respond, Ruff replied: “Bulls – T.”