Elmont, N.Y. (WGR 550) - A late re-direction goal for the New York Islanders did the Buffalo Sabres in on Saturday night, as a comeback attempt from the blue and gold was thwarted on Long Island at UBS Arena.
The home team opened the scoring six minutes into the first period. Forward Brock Nelson opted to keep the puck and take a shot on a developing 2-on-1 for New York after they broke up a Sabres scoring chance at the other end. The veteran forward gave the Islanders their first goal of the season.
The Islanders doubled up their lead right at the end of the opening frame. This time, it was veteran winger Kyle Palmieri who capitalized on a friendly bounce in and off the body of Sabres defenseman Connor Clifton in the goal crease.
The blue and gold got on the scoreboard in the early goings of the second period. A rush ended with a beautiful scoring play set up by the trio of Casey Mittelstadt, Zach Benson and Jordan Greenway, who capped off the play with his first goal of the season.
Benson's secondary assist was the first point of his budding career in the NHL.
The score remained 2-1 New York through 40 minutes of play, but the Sabres played a strong middle frame overall.
Buffalo kept applying the pressure with a hot start to the third, as the Greenway-Mittelstadt-Benson line struck for a second time on the night. This time, it was Mittelstadt who evened the score at 2-2 with a beautiful far-side backhander over the shoulder of Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin.
Benson tallied another helper on the play, which gave him his first multi-point effort in the league.
With 6:20 to go in regulation, the Islanders found the scoresheet again. Casey Cizikas was able to get a piece of a point shot to re-direct the puck past Sabres goalie Devon Levi. Buffalo went on to challenge the play for an offside, but the call on the ice stood upon further review.
Cizikas' goal stood as the game-winner, as the Islanders hunkered down in the late stages against the remaining attack the Sabres had.
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GAME RECAP
Scoring Summary:
First Period:
BUF: NONE
NYI: 5:57 - Brock Nelson (1) (Pierre Engvall); 18:18 - Kyle Palmieri (1) (Brock Nelson, Ryan Pulock)
Second Period:
BUF: 4:15 - Jordan Greenway (1) (Casey Mittelstadt, Zach Benson)
NYI: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: 2:34 - Casey Mittelstadt (1) (Zach Benson, Rasmus Dahlin)
NYI: 13:40 - Casey Cizikas (1) (Adam Pelech, Cal Clutterbuck)
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Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 2:24 - Peyton Krebs (Tripping - 2 min.)
NYI: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
NYI: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: 4:00 - JJ Peterka (Hooking - 2 min.); 13:40 - TEAM (Delay of game - 2 min.)
NYI: 14:18 - Bo Horvat (Cross-checking - 2 min.); 19:36 - Adam Pelech (Slashing - 2 min.)
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Brock Nelson - NYI
2.) Casey Cizikas - NYI
3.) Zach Benson - BUF
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What's next:
The early-season gauntlet continues for the Sabres on Tuesday night, as Buffalo hosts the Tampa Bay Lightning at KeyBank Center in Downtown Buffalo. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on the radio home of the Sabres - WGR Sports Radio 550.