Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres were able to overcome giving up a late-game lead to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning, 3-2 in overtime, on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center. It was Buffalo's first win of the 2023-24 regular season.
Both teams had early power play chances that yielded little results. Former Sabres winger Conor Sheary was called for holding, giving Buffalo the early chance. It was negated moments later by an Alex Tuch hooking minor.
Zemgus Girgensons opened the scoring with his first goal of the season nearly halfway through the first period. Tyson Jost made the pass that helped set up the chance, he and Mattias Samuelsson were credited with the assists for Buffalo's first lead of the season.
Buffalo continued to press against the Lightning and it resulted in the second goal of the game to double the Sabres' lead to 2-0. Jeff Skinner was able to score from just outside of the crease for his first goal of the year.
The Lightning had a late chance thanks to a power play with under a minute remaining in the opening period. Girgensons and Austin Watson dropped the gloves and fought, while Rasmus Dahlin was called for roughing.
Buffalo was credited with 11 shots on goal in the opening period, while Devon Levi made seven saves on as many shots from the Lightning.
Again in the second period, both teams had power play chances but were unsuccessful. However, Brandon Hagel was able to find a loose puck in the slot and score his third goal of the season late in the period. Tampa Bay's first goal of the night trimmed the Sabres' lead to 2-1.
The Sabres, once again, outshot Tampa Bay in the second period with a 10-5 edge. Overall in the game, Buffalo was credited with 21 shots through two periods compared to 12 for the Lightning.
Samuelsson was injured in the game with an upper-body injury. He had one shift in the third period before leaving the game.
The Lightning pulled goalie Jonas Johansson late in regulation and were able to score the equalizer with just seven seconds remaining. His second goal of the game tied the score, 2-2, and sent the two teams to overtime.
Buffalo was able to control the puck for the entire overtime period, and eventually were able to secure the game-winning goal. Dylan Cozens' first goal of the season was the difference in the game as he wired a shot past Johansson, off the post and in the back of the net.
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GAME RECAP
Scoring Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 8:57 - Zemgus Girgensons (1) (Tyson Jost, Mattias Samuelsson); 15:28 - Jeff Skinner (1) (Owen Power, Alex Tuch)
TBL: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
TBL: 17:58 - Brandon Hagel (3) (Tanner Jeannot, Anthony Cirelli)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
TBL: 19:53 - Brandon Hagel (4) ENG (Brayden Point)
Overtime:
BUF: 1:46 - Dylan Cozens (1) (Jordan Greenway, Rasmus Dahlin)
TBL: NONE
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Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 6:09 - Alex Tuch (Hooking - 2 min.); 19:08 - Rasmus Dahlin (Roughing - 2 min.); 19:08 - Zemgus Girgensons (Fighting - 5 min.)
TBL: 5:33 - Conor Sheary (Holding - 2 min.); 19:08 - Austin Watson (Fighting - 5 min.)
Second Period:
BUF: 3:00 - Casey Mittelstadt (Holding - 2 min.); 14:41 - Connor Clifton (Cross-checking - 2 min.)
TBL: 7:07 - Darren Raddysh (Hooking - 2 min.)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
TBL: 10:01 - Alex Barre-Boulet (Hooking - 2 min.)
Overtime
BUF: NONE
TBL: NONE
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Dylan Cozens - BUF
2.) Jeff Skinner - BUF
3.) Zemgus Girgensons - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres will remain at home for the second of a four-game home stand at KeyBank Center on Thursday against the Calgary Flames. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. ET with pregame coverage on WGR starting at 6 p.m. ET with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.