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 goals and assists from Alex Tuch, JJ Peterka, and Jack Quinn, while Peyton Krebs added a short-handed goal. Goaltender James Reimer secured his tenth win of the season, making 21 saves.
Lindy Ruff now stands alongside Paul Maurice of Florida as the only active NHL coaches with 900 or more wins. This achievement places Ruff second in all-time wins for a single NHL team, with 607 victories for the Sabres, second only to Al Arbour`s 740 wins with the Islanders.
For the Flyers, rookie Matvei Michkov ended his goal drought with two goals, and Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink each contributed a goal and an assist. Goalie Aleksei Kolosov made 26 saves, but the Flyers` loss confirmed their position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference for the second time in their history.
Despite nearly losing a 4-1 lead in the second period, McLeod`s late empty-net goal secured the Sabres` win, ensuring they 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 90 points for the season as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2.
