For the first time in the 2021-22 season, the Buffalo Sabres met the New York Islanders. Much like the 2020-21 season, it was the Islanders terrorizing the Sabres in all facets of the game. That was the case Thursday night at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, as the home team cruised to a 4-1 victory.
The Islanders opened the scoring 6:25 into the first period when forward Mathew Barzal wired a shot past Malcolm Subban. It was Barzal's sixth goal of the season.
Later in the period, though, the Sabres got themselves on the scoreboard and tied the game at 1-1. On a power play, it was Kyle Okposo cashing in on a rebound opportunity to nab his seventh goal of the season.
The game stayed tied into the middle stanza before the Islanders pulled ahead. Thanks to goals from forward Kieffer Bellows and captain Anders Lee on a power play, the home team carried a 3-1 edge into the third period of play.
The Islanders added a fourth goal in the third period to put a bow on a workmanlike 4-1 victory over the Sabres. Scoring in the final frame for New York was defenseman Noah Dobson.
The loss was the second in as many nights for the Sabres.
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GAME RECAP
Goal Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 19:00 - Kyle Okposo (7) PPG (Brett Murray, Victor Olofsson)
NYI: 12:35 - Mathew Barzal (6) (Josh Bailey, Noah Dobson)
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
NYI: 6:45 - Kieffer Bellows (3) (Andy Greene); 11:25 - Anders Lee (9) PPG (Kieffer Bellows, Mathew Barzal)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
NYI: 11:43 - Noah Dobson (4) (Josh Bailey, Mathew Barzal)
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Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 1:13 - TEAM (Too many men on the ice - 2 min.)
NYI: 18:10 - Matt Martin (Tripping - 2 min.)
Second Period:
BUF: 10:39 - Anders Bjork (Goaltender Interference - 2 min.)
NYI: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
NYI: 18:08 - Casey Cizikas (Unsportsmanlike conduct - 2 min.)
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Mathew Barzal - NYI
2.) Noah Dobson - NYI
3.) Kieffer Bellows - NYI
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What's Next:
The Sabres next head to Boston to take on the Bruins for a Saturday matinee on New Year's Day. Puck drop at TD Garden is set for 1 p.m. EST with pregame coverage starting at 12 p.m. EST with Brian Koziol on the radio home of the Sabres - WGR Sports Radio 550.
