It was a NHL debut for Owen Power he will never forget.
The first overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft made his debut in his hometown on Tuesday, and helped the Buffalo Sabres take down the Toronto Maple Leafs by a convincing final score of 5-2 at Scotiabank Arena.
The Sabres grabbed the early edge in the opening period of play on the man advantage. With 7:25 gone in the game, Kyle Okposo wired a wicked wrist shot thanks to a nice cross-ice pass from Victor Olofsson.
The goal was Okposo's 19th of the 2021-22 season.
Buffalo's 1-0 lead stood for the rest of the first period, before Toronto evened the score in the early goings of the second. Defenseman Timothy Liljegren snuck down deep into the offensive zone and deposited a puck in-behind Craig Anderson.
The Sabres took the lead back seven minutes later, with, yet, another power play goal. Their second power play tally in three attempts came courtesy of Tage Thompson, whose fantastic breakout season continued with a nice shot from the slot.
It was Thompson's 33rd goal of the year.
The top line for the Sabres did more damage in the third period. Still leading by a goal, Alex Tuch used the eyes in the back of his head to find Jeff Skinner for a sensational goal, with Skinner coming down the slot hot.
The goal was Skinner's 31st of his renaissance season.
Buffalo upped its lead to 4-1 moments later, as they officially had the Maple Leafs on the ropes. Olofsson found Rasmus Dahlin parked at the right-wing circle, and the defenseman snapped his 10th goal of the year in behind Toronto goalie Erik Kallgren.
Toronto and Buffalo traded goals, respectively, before game's end to put a bow on the 5-2 Sabres win. Maple Leafs forward Alexander Kerfoot tallied one for the home team to offer some hope, which was later squashed with an empty-net goal from Rasmus Asplund.
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GAME RECAP
Scoring Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 7:25 - Kyle Okposo (19) PPG (Victor Olofsson, Rasmus Dahlin)
TOR: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: 9:11 - Tage Thompson (33) PPG (Alex Tuch, Henri Jokiharju)
TOR: 2:09 - Timothy Liljegren (William Nylander, Morgan Rielly)
Third Period:
BUF: 4:09 - Jeff Skinner (31) (Alex Tuch); 5:43 - Rasmus Dahlin (10) (Victor Olofsson, Rasmus Asplund); 17:42 - Rasmus Asplund (7) ENG (Unassisted)
TOR: 8:53 - Alexander Kerfoot (13) (Morgan Rielly, Pierre Engvall)
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Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 4:48 - Jacob Bryson (Holding - 2 min.); 13:48 - Dylan Cozens (Hooking - 2 min.)
TOR: 0:32 - Auston Matthews (Delay of game - 2 min.); 5:26 - Morgan Rielly (High sticking - 2 min.)
Second Period:
BUF: 13:31 - Vinnie Hinostroza (High sticking - 2 min.)
TOR: 8:04 - Mitchell Marner (Tripping - 2 min.); 15:10 - Jason Spezza (Tripping - 2 min.)
Third Period:
BUF: 6:41 - Tage Thompson (Tripping - 2 min.); 19:39 - John Hayden (Goaltender interference - 2 min.)
TOR: NONE
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Rasmus Dahlin - BUF
2.) Alex Tuch - BUF
3.) Craig Anderson - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres return home to host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night at KeyBank Center. It will mark the home debut for Power in a Sabres uniform. Puck drop is set for just after 7 p.m. ET with pregame coverage on WGR with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog starting at 6 p.m. ET.
