Las Vegas, Nev. (WGR Sports Radio 550/WBEN) - Despite starting a four-game road trip on a high note in St. Louis against the Blues, the Buffalo Sabres dropped the final three games of the trip, with the latest coming Saturday night in a 3-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.
The Golden Knights broke the scoreless tie before the game was five minutes old.
Vegas forward Tanner Laczynski slammed home a rebound in front of James Reimer. It was Laczynski's first goal with the Golden Knights, and also his first goal since December 2022 as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Vegas made it 2-0 later in the opening period.
With a delayed penalty looming, Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel gained the zone and located Mark Stone crashing the crease. Eichel's pass hit Stone in stride, and the Vegas captain registered his 10th goal of the season, and 600th career point.
After a listless second period for both sides, the Golden Knights added to their lead with just about eight minutes gone in the frame. Eichel was allowed to skate right down from the circle, and wire his 11th goal of the season to make it 3-0, Vegas.
It appeared as though the Golden Knights and goalie Adin Hill were going to cruise to a shutout, as the Sabres had next to no attack in them all night.
However, on a late power play chance, Jason Zucker was able to tip in his 15th goal of the season for Buffalo, and his team-leading eighth power play goal. The original shot from the point came from captain Rasmus Dahlin.
Zucker's late effort was for naught, though, as that 3-1 score held as the eventual final.
The Sabres ended their four-game road trip with a regulation loss, and a 1-2-1 record during the stretch.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: NONE
VGK: 4:53 - Tanner Laczynski (1) (Brett Howden, Zach Whitecloud); 12:23 - Mark Stone (10) (Jack Eichel, Tanner Pearson)
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
VGK: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: 17:42 - Jason Zucker (15) PPG (Rasmus Dahlin, JJ Peterka)
VGK: 7:44 - Jack Eichel (11) (Tanner Pearson, Noah Hanifin)
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Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Mark Stone - VGK
2.) Tanner Laczynski - VGK
3.) Jack Eichel - VGK
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What's next:
The Sabres return to Buffalo for one quick home game against the Washington Capitals on Monday at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EST with Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray on the call.