Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres fell behind to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but scored the last two goals of the game, including Jeff Skinner's overtime winner in a 3-2 victory on Saturday night at KeyBank Center.
Buffalo outshot Columbus, 12-7, in the opening period, but trailed on the scoresheet thanks to a late goal in the frame.
Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson was able to follow up his original shot from the slot to convert his rebound chance. Severson's fourth goal of the season gave the Blue Jackets a 1-0 lead with just 12.1 seconds remaining in the opening period.
It was a rebound chance near the crease in the Columbus zone that resulted in the first Sabres goal of the night to tie the score, 1-1. Jack Quinn finished off the chance on, what was, a second rebound after Owen Power took the initial shot and then Dylan Cozens was stopped.
The game-tying goal came 40 seconds into the second period for Buffalo.
Adam Fantilli exited the penalty box after a hooking minor and helped created an odd-man situation, resulting in a goal for Columbus. The young forward was able to score his 11th goal of the season after combining with Justin Danforth for the go-ahead score.
Casey Mittelstadt used a small screen from the Columbus defense in the third period, as he skated down the wing in the offensive zone to beat Daniil Tarasov and even the score again, 2-2. Mittelstadt's 10th goal of the season was assisted by Zach Benson and Mattias Samuelsson with just over eight minutes remaining in regulation.
Neither side was able to get the game-winning goal in the remaining time of regulation. Buffalo recorded 39 shots on goal through three periods, while the Blue Jackets were credited with 21 shots of their own in regulation.
However, Skinner was able to convert on a one-time chance from the slot to complete the comeback for Buffalo.
The goal was Skinner's 15th of the season. The pass by Power helped create the game-winning chance, while Tage Thompson led the rush into the zone on the 3-on-3 overtime chance.
Both players received assists on the goal.
Rochester Americans head coach Seth Appert was behind the bench for Buffalo, serving as the acting head coach for Don Granato, who missed the game due to an illness.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: NONE
CBJ: 19:47 - Damon Severson (4) (Dmitri Voronkov, Yegor Chinakov)
Second Period:
BUF: 0:40 - Jack Quinn (3) (Dylan Cozens, Owen Power)
CBJ: 13:45 - Adam Fantilli (11) (Justin Danforth, Cole Sillinger)
Third Period:
BUF: 11:52 - Casey Mittelstadt (10) (Zach Benson, Mattias Samuelsson)
CBJ: NONE
Overtime:
BUF: 1:20 - Jeff Skinner (15) (Owen Power, Tage Thompson)
CBJ: NONE
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Jeff Skinner - BUF
2.) Casey Mittelstadt - BUF
3.) Jack Quinn - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres close out the 2023 portion of the schedule with a road contest in Ottawa against the Senators on Sunday. puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. EST on our sister station, WBEN News Radio 930. Pregame coverage with Brian Koziol will begin at 5 p.m. EST.