Three quick goals early in the second period was too much for the Buffalo Sabres to overcome in a 7-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night at KeyBank Center.
Tage Thompson's seventh goal of the season came off of a turnover created by the Sabres in the offensive zone nearly four minutes into the game. Henri Jokiharju kept the puck in at the point and fed it to Victor Olofsson, as both players received assists on the goal that made the score 1-0.
Jack Roslovic scored back-to-back goals for Columbus to give the visitors a 2-1 lead with just under six minutes remaining in the opening period. The forward's first goal of the game, and first of the season, came nearly five minutes after Buffalo took the lead. Six minutes later, Roslovic beat Dustin Tokarski with a wrist shot in the slot for the lead.
The Sabres capitalized on their first power play chance of the night as Zemgus Girgensons was able to tip in a Colin Miller shot from the point with just 0.4 left in the opening frame. Miller and Rasmus Dahlin were credited with the assists. The goal came with Columbus defenseman Andrew Peeke in the penalty box, and it tied the score at 2-2 after one period.
Columbus scored a pair of goals less than a minute into the second period to open up a 4-2 lead over the Sabres. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored first, just 24 seconds into the frame to make it 3-2 in favor of the visitors. Only 30 seconds later, Max Domi recorded his second goal of the year to double the visitors' lead.
The Blue Jackets' lead ballooned to 5-2 less than three minutes later on Vladislav Gavrikov's first goal of the season. The puck deflected off of Mark Pysyk before beating Aaron Dell for the score.
However, just a minute later, Dylan Cozens trimmed the deficit to 5-3. Jeff Skinner and Miller were credited with the assists.
Buffalo pulled back to within a goal thanks to their second power play goal of the game. Thompson's second of the night and eighth goal of the year came off a faceoff win with Alexandre Texier in the penalty box for tripping. Dahlin and Cozens received the assists on the goal that made it 5-4 in favor of Columbus.
The Sabres outshot the visitors, 15-7 in the third period, but could not get the equalizing goal. Instead, Columbus scored a pair of empty net goals to defeat Buffalo by three goals. Vladislav Gavrikov and Sean Kuraly each scored with Dell pulled in the final moments to secure the win.
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GAME RECAP:
Goal Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 3:38 - Tage Thompson (7) (Victor Olofsson, Henri Jokiharju); 19:59 - Zemgus Girgensons (4) PPG (Colin Miller, Rasmus Dahlin)
CBJ: 8:23 - Jack Roslovic (1) (Zach Werenski, Gregory Hofmann); 14:04 - Jack Roslovic (2) (Max Domi, Gavin Bayreuther)
Second Period:
BUF: 4:44 - Dylan Cozens (4) (Jeff Skinner, Colin Miller); 9:55 - Tage Thompson (8) PPG (Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Cozens)
CBJ: 0:24 - Oliver Bjorkstrand (6) (Gustav Nyquist, Boone Jenner); 0:55 - Max Domi (2) (Gregory Hofmann, Jack Roslovic)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
CBJ: 19:15 - Vladislav Gavrikov (2) ENG (Boone Jenner); 19:50 - Sean Kuraly (3) ENG (Unassisted)
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Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 10:01 - Henri Jokiharju (Boarding - 2 min.)
CBJ: 19:51 - Andrew Peeke (Interference - 2 min.)
Second Period:
BUF: 1:15 - Robert Hagg (Tripping - 2 min.); 6:05 - Mark Pysyk (Roughing - 2 min.); 11:37 - Vinnie Hinostroza (High-sticking - 2 min.)
CBJ: 6:05 - Andrew Peeke (Roughing - 2 min.); 9:50 - Alexandre Texier (Tripping - 2 min.)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
CBJ: 10:40 - Yegor Chinakhov (Hooking - 2 min.); 12:09 - Gustav Nyquist (Tripping - 2 min.)
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Jack Roslovic - CBJ
2.) Max Domi - CBJ
3.) Tage Thompson - BUF
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What's Next:
The blue and gold remain home for their second of three-straight home games this week. This time, the Sabres welcome the Boston Bruins to KeyBank Center for a 7 p.m. EST faceoff on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550. Pregame coverage with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog begins at 6 p.m. EST.
