The Buffalo Jr. Sabres almost clawed their way back from a three-goal deficit, but the Oakville Blades managed to pull out a 4-2 win in the end.
It only took them two minutes for the Blades to prove they were hungry for their second win of the year. While holding the man advantage, Greg Campbell scored on a beautiful slap shot, beating goaltender Alex Connal just ten seconds into the 5-on-4. Ryan Burns would give Oakville the 2-0 lead on just their sixth shot of the game when a pass from Brandon Hughes made it right on the tape of Burns’ stick.
Speaking of sticks, Daniel Mannella made an incredible save with the top of his goalie shaft. After getting knocked down by his own defenseman, the Oakville starter somehow kept the puck out with just the tip of his stick to keep the two goal lead alive.
The Blades were the much better team in the second. With Buffalo only able to record three shots, Oakville controlled the puck possession for much of the second frame in an attempt to open the scoring even further. Ryan Burns had the greatest chance of the period, in which he almost took advantage of an empty net miss by Matt Lippa. Unfortunately, Burns’ attempt at an open cage goal was spoiled by Connal, who spun around backwards to make the last second pad save.
The Blades wouldn’t go to the intermission with a shutout, but a 3-1 lead isn’t all too bad. After multiple scoring opportunities went without a conclusion, a beautiful breakaway goal by Jackson Bales made it 3-0 with just three minutes to go in the second. However, a Buffalo goal by Kenny Tencza with two minutes remaining ended the Oakville shutout, giving them life for the final twenty minutes.
The Sabres were not out of the contest just yet. With less than ten minutes completed in the third, Tim Nicksic deked past a few falling defenseman before roofing it top shelf. The one goal advantage by Oakville would double up just a minute later, as Brandon Hughes recorded his second point of the night after displaying incredible patience for the goal. The fourth Oakville goal put an end to any Buffalo comeback, as the hometown club secured their first home victory of the season thanks to a 4-2 win.