Buffalo Blows 2-Goal Lead As They Lose to Philadelphia

When you're a bad team, you just find ways to lose. A classic example of that was demonstrated Tuesday as the Buffalo Sabres fell to the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2 after blowing a 2-goal lead.

Surprisingly, the Sabres actually got off to a fast start against the "elite" Philadelphia Flyers as they went ahead 2-0 in the 1st period.

Scoring for the Sabres were Paul Gaustad and Cody McCormick.

Shortly after the Sabres made it a two goal lead, Philadelphia responded with a power-play goal from Scott Hartnell to make it 2-1.

The game would remain 2-1 until late in the 2nd period.

With less than two minutes remaining in the 2nd period, former Sabre Daniel Briere scored to tie the game for the Flyers.

So, the 3rd period was up for grabs. Whatever team wanted it more would come out on top. The Sabres are desperate. They have to win this game. Right?

WRONG!

The Sabres put forth an awful 3rd period effort and ended up losing 5-2.

Ville Leino scored early in the 3rd to put the Flyers up 3-2. The goal was reviewed and stood even though the puck went off Leino's skate.

Then, midway through the 3rd period, Mike Richards scored on a breakaway to put the game away for the Flyers.

Scott Hartnell added the Flyers 5th goal in garbage time as he scored on an empty net.

Daniel Briere had a terrific game for the Flyers as he recorded 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists). Of course, as many of you remember, Briere used to be a standout player on the Buffalo Sabres.

The loss ends the Sabres 2-game winning streak and has them drop another 2 points back of Montreal which won on Tuesday vs. the New York Rangers.

The Sabres currently stand 10 points back of the final playoff spot in the eastern conference.

The Sabres next play January 13th vs. Carolina.

Attendance: 18,155

Buffalo's Record: 18,19-5 (41 points) 10th in Eastern Conference

Points Back Of Playoffs: 10 points back of Montreal

Last 10: 5-4-1

Key Fact: The Sabres were outscored 3-0 in the 3rd period

Interesting Note: Daniel Briere had 4 points.

Three Stars:

1st- Daniel Briere (Philadelphia)

2nd- Cody McCormick (Buffalo)

3rd- Kimmo Timonen