Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550/WBEN) - The Buffalo Sabres fell behind by a pair of goals in the opening period, and could not overcome the deficit in a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon at KeyBank Center.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's shutout streak ended at just over 160 minutes when Nick Paul was able to convert a turnover in the offensive zone into the game's first goal.
Paul's 12th goal of the season gave Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead just over six minutes into the game.
The Lightning doubled their lead to 2-0 when Tyler Motte was able to create a turnover in his own defensive zone on the penalty kill. The forward scored on his shorthanded breakaway through the five-hole of Luukkonen.
The Sabres were finally able to beat Jonas Johansson and trim the deficit to 2-1 late in the second period.
Dylan Cozens was able to receive a JJ Peterka pass just above the crease and record his eighth goal of the season.
Rasmus Dahlin also helped create the scoring chance. Both Peterka and Dahlin were credited with assists on the goal.
For Dahlin, it comes on a milestone day.
The only goal of the third period was scored by Lightning defenseman Calvin de Haan on an open net with just over a minute to go in regulation.
Buffalo was credited with 15 shots on goal in the final period for a total of 28 in the game.
The Sabres had one power play chance in the third period, but it was quickly negated by a penalty called on rookie Zach Benson.
Overall, Buffalo went 0-for-2 with the man advantage, while Tampa Bay was 0-for-3 on their power play chances.
----------
SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: NONE
TBL: 6:14 - Nicholas Paul (13) (Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli); 7:06 - Tyler Motte (4) SHG (Unassisted)
Second Period:
BUF: 13:52 - Dylan Cozens (8) (JJ Peterka, Rasmus Dahlin)
TBL: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
TBL: 18:44 - Calvin de Haan (3) ENG (Bradon Hagel, Nicholas Paul)
----------
----------
Losi & Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Tyler Motte - TBL
2.) Jonas Johansson - TBL
3.) Dylan Cozens - BUF
----------
What's next:
The Sabres will head out on the road for their California road trip before the NHL All-Star break. Buffalo's first game takes place on Tuesday night with a 10 p.m. EST faceoff against the Anaheim Ducks.
Pregame coverage on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550 - begins at 9 p.m. EST with Brian Koziol.