Newark, N.J. (WGR 550) - Friday night's thrilling comeback feels like a distant memory just one day later.
The Buffalo Sabres were throttled from the start on Saturday night against the New Jersey Devils, losing 7-2 at the Prudential Center after surrendering four goals in the opening period.
As mentioned, it was 4-0 Devils through 20 minutes of play on the strength of goals from forwards Alexander Holtz, Tyler Toffoli, Nico Hischier and Ondrej Palat.
All four first period goals were charged to Eric Comrie, who was replaced by Devon Levi to begin the second frame.
Both sides traded a goal apiece in the second period.
Jeff Skinner briefly made it a 4-1 contest on the power play goal, as he netted his 10th goal of the season.
However, just a mere 51 seconds later, Toffoli struck again for his second goal of the game.
The Devils tacked on two more goals in the final period of regulation to push their total up to seven.
Stuck in-between the two New Jersey tallies was another power play goal for the Sabres, as captain Kyle Okposo re-directed a point shot from Owen Power for his second goal of the year.
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SCORING SUMMARY:
First Period:
BUF: NONE
NJD: 1:31 - Alexander Holtz (6) (Erik Haula, Dougie Hamilton); 11:09 - Tyler Toffoli (10) (Brendan Smith, Dawson Mercer); 15:20 - Nico Hischier (3) (Ondrej Palat, Jesper Bratt); 18:27 - Ondrej Palat (2) (Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier)
Second Period:
BUF: 1:53 - Jeff Skinner (10) PPG (Alex Tuch, Casey Mittelstadt)
NJD: 2:44 - Tyler Toffoli (11) (Alexander Holtz, Luke Hughes)
Third Period:
BUF: 3:55 - Kyle Okposo (2) PPG (Owen Power, JJ Peterka)
NJD: 0:50 - Dawson Mercer (4) (Dougie Hamilton, Jack Hughes); 5:38 - Luke Hughes (2) PPG (Unassisted)
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Nico Hischier - NJD
2.) Tyler Toffoli - NJD
3.) Alexander Holtz - NJD
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What's next:
The Sabres head to Madison Square Garden on Monday night to visit the New York Rangers. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EST with all the play-by-play action on the radio home of the Sabres - WGR Sports Radio 550 - starting at 6 p.m. EST with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.