Buffalo, Ny. - The Buffalo Sabres conclude the preseason by hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins at KeyBank Center on Saturday afternoon. Pittsburgh brings Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and several other players from their expected Opening Night roster into the game. The Sabres are countering with their expected lineup for Thursday including Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in goal.
Sidney Crosby converted in the offensive zone with just the second shot of the game for Pittsburgh to give the team a 1-0 lead in the first period. The goal came just after the Sabres the first power play chance of the game. Crosby's goal was assisted by Tommy Novak and Declan Carlile.
Pittsburgh doubled the lead several minutes later on a goal by Ville Koivunen. Hendrix Lapierre and Bryan Rust were credited with the assists on the goal that made it 2-0 in favor of the Penguins.
The Sabres outshot Pittsburgh 11-9 in the first period, but trailed by two goals after the opening 20 minutes. Both teams had one power play chance in the first period and neither team was able to score on special teams.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made the start for Buffalo and made seven saves in the first period.
Goal Summary
First Period
BUF: NONE
PIT: 9:00 - Sidney Crosby (1) (Tommy Novak, Declan Carlile). 10:56 - Ville Koivunen (Hendrix Lapierre, Bryan Rust)
