Monday night, it was Sam Reinhart scoring twice to back Michael Houser's first career win in the National Hockey League over the New York Islanders in comeback fashion.
Tonight, against the same opponent, the Sabres again erased a two-goal deficit to back Houser's 45 saves across regulation and an overtime period. The goal-scoring hero tonight? Anders Bjork, netting a pair in regulation as well as the shootout winner to fuel Buffalo's 4-3 win in their home finale over New York.
This time it was the Sabres who started the scoring, as Cody Eakin potted his third goal of the year after the puck bounded directly into the slot off the back wall. Drake Caggiula corralled the loose puck, and dished it off to Jeff Skinner before Skinner fed Eakin for a cross-ice layup.
Caggiula's secondary assist was his first point in nine games since being claimed off waivers by Buffalo last month.
The 1-0 lead lasted only 26 seconds as on an ensuing Islanders rush Anthony Beauvillier was the beneficiary of a Josh Bailey one-time pass-and-shoot that left Michael Houser no chance.
The Islanders made it 2-1 less than four minutes into the second period, when defenseman Ryan Pulock's point shot eluded all traffic in front and found its way behind Houser.
New York's run of goals reached three later in the middle stanza, when forward Cal Clutterbuck capitalized on a young Buffalo defenseman's miscue on a powerplay.
Jacob Bryson lost his footing in the neutral zone as a man advantage was winding down. Clutterbuck was "Johnny on the spot", as the veteran scooped the puck up and skated in on goal before sniping a short-handed tally against Houser.
The Sabres battled back, though, and kept within striking distance before the second period ended. With 2:23 left on the docket, Anders Bjork tipped home his second goal as a Buffalo Sabre off a point shot from Colin Miller.
Staying in the Islanders' rearview mirror paid off for the Sabres in the third, when Bjork doubled his fun near the midway point of the period.
The short-side snipe gave Bjork his first multi-goal game in the National Hockey League since October 19, 2017 as a member of the Boston Bruins.
Bjork's goal was the last of its kind in regulation, as the teams readied for overtime inside KeyBank Center.
Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
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What's Next:
The blue and gold travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to take on the Penguins for the penultimate game of the Sabres' season on Thursday, May 6. Puck drop inside PPG Paints Arena is set for 7 p.m. EST, and the Paul William Beltz Pregame Show with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog starts at 6 p.m. EST on the radio home of the Buffalo Sabres - WGR Sports Radio 550.
