Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Nashville Predators scored a pair of goals in just over a minute in the first period, and were able to hold on for a 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday night at KeyBank Center.
Nashville was able to get on the scoresheet first after an offensive zone faceoff that was loose at the dot. Filip Forsberg used a slap shot from the left wing to give the Predators a 1-0 lead halfway through the first period. The goal was his 13th of the season.
Just over a minute later, a deflection at the top of the crease doubled Nashville's lead to 2-0. Yakov Trenin was able to re-direct a shot from by Colton Sissons.
The Sabres were outshot by Nashville 14-10 in the opening 20 minutes. Rasmus Dahlin was called for the only penalty, but Buffalo was able to kill off the special teams chance.
Buffalo's first goal of the game came nearly halfway through the second period on a penalty shot opportunity.
Victor Olofsson was tripped on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot. The forward used a couple of moves on goalie Juuse Saros to trim the deficit to 2-1.
The Sabres were credited with 12 shots in the second period, outshooting Nashville by a 12-8 total in the frame.
There were coincidental minors called at the end of the period with Peyton Krebs and Sissons each being assessed roughing minors.
Neither team were able to score in the third period, helping Nashville preserve its one-goal victory in Buffalo.
The Sabres had several scoring chances in the final period on 12 shots on goal. Buffalo finished the night with 35 total shots, with Saros making 34 saves.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 27 saves in the losing effort.
----------
SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: NONE
NSH: 9:40 - Filip Forsberg (13) (Unassisted); 10:54 - Yakov Trenin (5) (Colton Sissons, Cole Smith)
Second Period:
BUF: 10:02 - Victor Olofsson (3) PS (Unassisted)
NSH: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
NSH: NONE
----------
----------
Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Jusse Saros - NSH
2.) Filip Forsberg - NSH
3.) Victor Olofsson - BUF
----------
What's next:
The Sabres are back on home ice for their second of four home games out of their next five contests. Buffalo and the Detroit Red Wings will face off at 7:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday night.
With the game being an ESPN+/Hulu telecast, the only place to hear Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray on the call is the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550 - starting with pregame coverage at 6:30 p.m. EST with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.