BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Buffalo Sabres never trailed in their 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night at KeyBank Center. Noah Ostlund scored twice to help in the winning effort for Buffalo.
The Sabres were able to take advantage of their second power play chance of the game to open up a 1-0 lead over Edmonton late in the first period. Ostlund was able to gain position by the net and finish the chance partially created by Isak Rosen.
Rasmus Dahlin also helped create the chance after being high-sticked by Connor McDavid to give Buffalo the power play.
The two teams each recorded seven shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes. Colten Ellis made the start for Buffalo and stopped all seven Oilers shots in the first period.
Jack Roslovic was able to bury a one-timer opportunity as he came down the slot in transition for his seventh goal in 19 games and tie the score 1-1 in the second period. Leon Draisaitl made the pass and was credited with the primary assist. Andrew Mangiapane received the secondary assist for Edmonton.
The Sabres had the quick answer, scoring twice in just over a minute midway through the second period to re-take the lead. First it was Bowen Byram who converted on a Tyson Kozak pass in the offensive zone.
It was the defenseman's third goal of the season. Kozak and Peyton Krebs assisted on the go-ahead goal. Just over one minute later the lead was doubled to 3-1 on Beck Malenstyn's first goal of the season.
Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson both assisted on the goal. The Sabres finished the second period with 13 shots on goal for 19 in the game through two periods.
Ostlund was able to score early in the third period to extend Buffalo's lead to three goals, 4-1, nearly eight minutes into the period. Josh Dunne helped create the scoring chance that extended the advantage.
Tage Thompson was able to score for the third straight game with an empty-net goal late in the third period. The forward was able to send the puck down the ice from inside his own blue line after helping create a turnover.
The Sabres finished the night with 29 total shots on goal. Ellis also made 31 saves in the victory. The only goal allowed came in the second period for Edmonton.
Goal Summary
First Period
BUF: 19:03 - Noah Ostlund (2) PPG (Isak Rosen, Rasmus Dahlin)
EDM: NONE
Second Period
BUF: 8:41 - Bowen Byram (3) (Tyson Kozak, Peyton Krebs). 9:43 - Beck Malenstyn (1) (Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson)
EDM: 4:29 - Jack Roslovic (7) (Leon Draisaitl, Andrew Mangiapane)
Third Period
BUF: 7:55 - Noah Ostlund (3) (Josh Dunne). 17:37 - Tage Thompson (9) ENG (unassisted)
EDM: NONE
Three Stars of the Game
1. Noah Ostlund - BUF
2. Colten Ellis - BUF
3. Rasmus Dahlin - BUF
What's Next
The Sabres will remain at home for the second game of their four-game homestand, hosting the Calgary Flames. The teams are scheduled to drop the puck at 7:30 p.m. on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sportsradio 550. Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.