Buffalo, NY (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Coming off a disappointing two game road trip, the Sabres got a very important regulation win over the Lightning Monday night. Jason Zucker had the game winning goal and assisted on another to help Buffalo top Tampa Bay 4-2.
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It was an eventful first period with multiple power plays and physical play. The Sabres got on the board first as Bowen Byram fed Alex Tuch jumping out of the penalty box and Tuch would find the back of the net beating Tampa goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.
After Jordan Greenway got called for a cross check, more physicality ensued with both Josh Dunne and Corey Perry also sent to the box for roughing. The Tampa power play took advantage with Nikita Kucherov snapping a one-timer to even the score 1-1.
Later in the first, Buffalo took back the lead with Josh Doan broke into the offensive zone and dropped it to Josh Norris who scored to make it a 2-1 game.
Andrei Vasilevskiy made his presence felt early in the second making a huge point blank save on Zach Benson alone in front. The Lightning would score moments later with Jake Guentzel beating Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen high blocker side. While the Sabres were on the penalty kill just after the tying goal, Alex Tuch would have three great shorthanded chances in a matter of seconds. He first broke in alone and was stopped on the initial chance, then after gathering the loose puck he couldn't beat Vasilevskiy on another two shots in tight.
Buffalo did get their one goal lead back again as Jason Zucker deflected a Bowen Byram slapshot from the point to make it 3-2 midway through the middle frame.
The third period was less eventful that the prior two on both the score sheet and penalties called. Midway through the third Zach Benson and Jake Guentzel both went to the box for roughing but neither team could score during the 4 on 4.
The score would stay the same until late in the third when Tampa Bay pulled their goaltender for the extra man, but just moments after Jack Quinn scored on the empty net from center ice to seal the 4-2 win for Buffalo.
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Scoring Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 5:42 - Alex Tuch (30) (Bowen Byram), 14:04 - Josh Norris (11) (Josh Doan, Zach Benson)
TB: 11:45 - Nikita Kucherov (43)(PPG) (Jake Guentzel, Darren Radysh)
Second Period:
BUF: 7:38 - Jason Zucker (23) (Bowen Byram, Rasmus Dahlin)
TB: 3:56 - Jake Guentzel (37) (Brayden Point, Darren Radysh)
Third Period:
BUF: 18:06 - Jack Quinn (19)(ENG) (Jason Zucker, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen)
TB: NONE
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Blue Star Home Services Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Alex Tuch (BUF)
2.) Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF)
3.) Jason Zucker (BUF)
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What's next: The Sabres head out on the road for a game at Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Rangers Wednesday night for a 7:00 p.m. ET puck drop. Catch all of the action on WGR Sports Radio 550 starting with the pregame at 6:00 p.m. ET with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.
Buffalo pulls into tie for Atlantic Division lead in 4-2 victory
