BUFFALO, N.Y. - Jason Zucker scored the go-ahead goal in the third period that helped the Buffalo Sabres defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets for a second consecutive game. The Sabres won 2-1 on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center.
The Sabres and Columbus were scoreless after the first 20 minutes. Alex Lyon started in goal for Buffalo after Alexandar Georgiev started the preseason opener in Columbus last night. Lyon made 12 saves in the first period for Buffalo.
Each team had power play opportunities in the first period, but neither was able to score. The Sabres were able to kill the first penalty of the night after a Conor Timmins interference minor.
Buffalo was credited with 10 shots on goal in the first period, with Ivan Fedotov stopping all 10 shots for the Blue Jackets. Tage Thompson led the Sabres with four shots on goal in the first.
Columbus was able to capitalize on a power play chance midway through the second period for the game's first goal. Jacob Bryson was in the penalty box for tripping when Miles Wood was able to score in front of the net for the Blue Jackets. Daemon Hunt and Hudson Fasching were credited with the assists.
A pass by Zach Benson below the goal line, nearly behind the Columbus net, found Tage Thompson and the forward was able to score to tie the game 1-1 late in the second period.
The goal came with just over two minutes remaining in the second period. It was assisted by Benson and Josh Norris.
A second chance opportunity in the offensive zone resulted in Zucker scoring his first goal of the preseason. Konsta Helenius had the first scoring chance in the crease for Buffalo.
The go-ahead goal came after the Sabres had a power play chance thanks to a Caleb MacDonald minor penalty. The even strength goal gave Buffalo a 2-1 advantage with just over eight minutes remaining in regulation.
Devon Levi replaced Alex Lyon in goal for the third period. It was the second straight night that Levi was in net for Buffalo in the final period. He made
Scoring Summary
Goal Summary
First Period
CBJ: NONE
BUF: NONE
Second Period
CBJ: 8:37 - Miles Wood (1) PPG (Daemon Hunt, Hudson Fasching)
BUF: 17:54 - Tage Thompson (1) (Zach Benson, Josh Norris)
Third Period
CBJ: NONE
BUF: 11:57 - Jason Zucker (1) (Konsta Helenius, Ryan McLeod)