Los Angeles, Calif. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres kick-started their three-game California road trip n a great way on Wednesday night, as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen did his best impression of a brick wall in a 1-0 blanking of the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
Not a goal was found through the first 40 minutes of hockey. Despite owning the majority of chances in the first period, the blue and gold were stymied by Kings goalie David Rittich.
The second period leaned more towards Los Angeles, though Luukkonen had answers for the Kings' efforts at every turn. Both netminders remained perfect through two frames, with the shot department even at 12-12.
Rittich was the first to blink, though, just 38 seconds into the third period of play.
The Sabres made the most of a rollover power play from the end of the second period, as veteran winger Jason Zucker added to his impressive start with the Sabres by tipping in a point shot from defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.
The goal was not only Zucker's fourth of the season, it was also the 200th goal of his career.
Zucker's man-advantage tally held up as the game-winning goal.
Luukkonen held strong, withstanding a nearly three-minute Kings onslaught with the team's net empty to register his sixth-career shutout.
Two Kings forwards, Quinton Byfield and Adrian Kempe, were afforded golden opportunities in the 6-on-5 situation, but were unable to capitalize.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: NONE
LAK: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
LAK: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: 0:38 - Jason Zucker (4) PPG (Rasmus Dahlin, Alex Tuch)
LAK: NONE
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Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Jason Zucker - BUF
2.) Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen - BUF
3.) David Rittich - LAK
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What's next:
The Sabres next head to Anaheim to visit the Ducks on Friday night at Honda Center. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. EST with Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray on the call.