Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550/WBEN) - Jordan Greenway recorded three points (2+1), while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen recorded a 33-save shutout in a 7-0 throttling of the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center.
The Sabres opened the scoring just over four minutes into the game thanks to a hustle play to keep the puck in at the blue line.
Greenway was able to slide a puck to the slot for JJ Peterka, whose initial chance was stopped by Kings goalie David Rittich. However, Rittich could not hold onto the puck that sat right behind him, and Peterka was able to tap in his own rebound.
Later in the first period, Greenway was able to take advantage of a Drew Doughty turnover to double the Sabres' lead to 2-0 with his seventh goal of the season.
Kyle Okposo capped the team's first period scoring with a tip on a shot while on the power play. Dylan Cozens took the shot from the high slot, and the Sabres' captain was able to get a piece of the puck thanks to good positioning at the top of the crease.
Buffalo was able to generate nine shots on goal to Los Angeles' five, and managed to net three of their chances in the opening 20 minutes.
The Sabres continued to pressure the Kings early in the second period, and it paid off in another goal to improve the lead to four.
Rasmus Dahlin received a cross-ice pass from Ryan Johnson, and his shot beat Rittich for his 14th goal of the year. Johnson and Peyton Krebs were credited with the assists.
Rookie winger Zach Benson was able to score his fifth goal of the season after Jacob Bryson kept the puck in at the blue line and helped create the scoring chance.
Bryson and Peterka assisted on the goal that made it 5-0, Buffalo.
Despite the Kings generating 13 shots on goal in the second period, Luukkonen was solid in goal for Buffalo, not letting anything past him through 40 minutes.
To start the third period, the Kings made a change in net, as Rittich came out of the game in favor of veteran Cam Talbot.
Alex Tuch got on the scoresheet with a goal early in the final frame, as he caused a turnover in the neutral zone that led to an unassisted tally that beat Talbot to the far post. The goal was Tuch's 15th of the season.
Greenway added his second goal, and third point of the game just minutes later to balloon Buffalo's lead to 7-0. Tuch and Casey Mittelstadt assisted on the goal.
Luukkonen made an additional 15 saves in the third period to earn his fourth shutout of the season. This included a number of chances on a late power play chance for Los Angeles thanks to a delay of game minor.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: 4:25 - JJ Peterka (19) (Jordan Greenway, Jacob Bryson); 16:58 - Jordan Greenway (7) (unassisted); 19:25 - Kyle Okposo (11) PPG (Dylan Cozens, Rasmus Dahlin)
LAK: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: 6:42 - Rasmus Dahlin (14) (Ryan Johnson, Peyton Krebs); 14:17 - Zach Benson (5) (Jacob Bryson, JJ Peterka)
LAK: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: 4:30 - Alex Tuch (15) (unassisted); 7:50 - Jordan Greenway (8) (Alex Tuch, Casey Mittelstadt)
LAK: NONE
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Losi & Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Jordan Greenway - BUF
2.) Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen - BUF
3.) Rasmus Dahlin - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres will home on Thursday to welcome the Florida Panthers for a 7 o'clock faceoff at KeyBank Center. Pregame coverage with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog begins at 6 p.m. EST on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550.