Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres erased a one-goal deficit late in the third period to force overtime and defeat the Detroit Red Wings, 4-3, on Monday night at KeyBank Center.
The Red Wings were able to strike first thanks to a Michael Brandsegg-Nygard goal just over a minute into the game. The goal from the 2024 first-round pick gave Detroit a 1-0 lead over the Sabres.
Graham Slaggert was able to answer back just a few minutes later, taking the puck to the front of the net. The forward's second preseason goal was assisted by Brett Murray and Zach Metsa.
The Sabres took the lead with under a minute to go in the opening period thanks to a Viktor Neuchev goal. The forward was able to drive to the front of the net and beat Red Wings goalie Alex Lyon. The unassisted goal allowed Buffalo to enjoy a 2-1 lead after one period.
Neither team was able to score in the second period, despite power play opportunities. Buffalo's lone power play chance came nearly halfway through the second, while Detroit had a pair of special teams chances without being able to score.
However, an early power play chance for Buffalo in the third period resulted in a shorthanded goal for the Red Wings. Elmer Soderblom was able to beat Felix Sandstrom to tie the game, 2-2, just over two minutes into the third period. The goal came with Amadeus Lombardi in the penalty box for hooking.
Detroit regained the lead on a goal by William Lagesson just over six minutes later. He was able to get around the Sabres defense and score his first goal of the preseason, giving the Red Wings a 3-2 lead.
The Sabres were able to score a shorthanded goal of their own later in the third period to tie the game at 3-3. Slaggert was able to convert on a breakaway chance with Buffalo on a 5-on-4 penalty kill with about six minutes remaining in regulation. The goal was his second of the game and third of the preseason.
Then in overtime, Konsta Helenius took advantage of a power play to score and give the Sabres the overtime victory. Mason Jobst and Isak Rosen were credited with assists on the game-winning goal after they were able to cycle the puck in the offensive zone during the 4-on-3 advantage.
The overtime goal came with just under 13 seconds to go in the extra period.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: 5:29 - Graham Slaggert (2) (Brett Murray, Zach Metsa); 19:06 - Viktor Neuchev (1) (Unassisted)
DET: 1:15 - Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (1) (Joe Snively, Antti Tuomisto)
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
DET: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: 13:57 - Graham Slaggert (3) SHG (Unassisted)
DET: 2:05 - Elmer Soderblom (1) SHG (Unassisted); 8:07 - William Lagesson (1) (Gabriel Seger)
Overtime:
BUF: 4:47 - Konsta Helenius (1) PPG (Mason Jobst, Isak Rosen)
DET: NONE
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Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Graham Slaggert - BUF
2.) Konsta Helenius - BUF
3.) William Lagesson - DET
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What's next:
The Sabres will open the 2024-25 regular season on Friday afternoon when they take on the New Jersey Devils in Game 1 of the NHL Global Series in Prague, Czechia. Faceoff at O2 Arena is set for 1 p.m. ET with pregame coverage on WGR starting at 12 p.m. ET with Brian Koziol.