Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Jason Zucker scored the go-ahead goal in the third period that helped the Buffalo Sabres defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets, 2-1, on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center. It is the second-consecutive win for the Sabres against the Blue Jackets in as many nights.
Buffalo and Columbus were scoreless after the first 20 minutes of play.
Alex Lyon started in goal for the Sabres after Alexandar Georgiev started the preseason opener on Monday night in Columbus. Lyon made 12 saves in the first period for Buffalo.
Each team had power play opportunities in the opening period, but neither was able to score. The Sabres were able to kill the first penalty of the night after a Conor Timmins interference minor.
Buffalo was credited with 10 shots on goal in the first period, with Ivan Fedotov stopping all 10 shots for the Blue Jackets. Tage Thompson led the Sabres with four shots on goal in the frame.
Columbus was able to capitalize on a power play chance midway through the second period for the game's first goal.
With defenseman Jacob Bryson in the penalty box for tripping, forward Miles Wood was able to score in front of the net for the Blue Jackets. Daemon Hunt and Hudson Fasching were credited with the assists.
A pass by Zach Benson below the goal line, nearly behind the Columbus net, found Thompson off to the left of the Columbus goal, and the forward was able to score to tie the game at 1-1 late in the second period.
The goal came with just over two minutes remaining in the second period. Benson and Josh Norris were credited with the helpers.
A second chance opportunity in the offensive zone resulted in Zucker scoring his first goal of the preseason. Sabres forward Konsta Helenius had the first scoring chance in the crease for Buffalo.
The go-ahead goal came after the Sabres had a power play chance thanks to a Caleb MacDonald minor penalty. The even strength goal gave Buffalo a 2-1 advantage with just over eight minutes remaining in regulation.
Devon Levi, who replaced Lyon in goal for the third period, closed out the night with saves on all five shots faced to secure the win. It was the second-straight night Levi was in net for Buffalo in the final period of play.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
CBJ: NONE
BUF: NONE
Second Period:
CBJ: 8:37 - Miles Wood (1) PPG (Daemon Hunt, Hudson Fasching)
BUF: 17:54 - Tage Thompson (1) (Zach Benson, Josh Norris)
Third Period:
CBJ: NONE
BUF: 11:57 - Jason Zucker (1) (Konsta Helenius, Ryan McLeod)
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Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Jason Zucker - BUF
2.) Tage Thompson - BUF
3.) Zach Benson - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres continue their preseason slate of games on Thursday night when they head to Detroit for a matchup with the Red Wings. Faceoff at Little Caesars Arena is set for 7 p.m. and can be heard on the radio home of the Sabres - WGR Sports Radio 550.