Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Josh Doan scored a pair of power play goals, while Alex Lyon made 32 saves in the Buffalo Sabres' 3-0 victory over the Florida Panthers on Saturday afternoon at KeyBank Center.
The Sabres were, once again, able to use special teams to their advantage in the first period against Florida.
Buffalo was able to kill off the first two penalties of the game to keep it scoreless. Then just seconds into their first power play chance of the day, Doan picked up his first goal as a member of the Sabres.
Tage Thompson took the shot that deflected off of Doan for the game's first goal. Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin were credited with the assists that helped Buffalo enjoy a 1-0 lead.
Buffalo's penalty kill finished the opening period a perfect 3-for-3, in addition to converting on their only power play chance.
The Sabres were credited with eight shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes, while Florida recorded 12 shots on goal.
An extra penalty to Panthers winger Brad Marchand proved to be costly for Florida, allowing the Sabres to extend their lead to 2-0 midway through the second period. Marchand was going to be called for interference initially, and was also called for roughing. Thompson also went to the box for Buffalo for roughing after the whistle.
Doan was right at the blue paint once again, and was able to slide a puck from winger Jason Zucker into an open net that doubled the Sabres lead. Zach Benson was also credited with the secondary assist.
Just over three minutes later, Sabres winger Alex Tuch made a pass across the ice to defenseman Owen Power that put the Sabres up by three in the second period.
Power's first goal of the season was scored at even strength, the first 5-on-5 goal of the game. Tuch and Peyton Krebs were given the assists.
Neither team was able to score in the third period. Buffalo was able to continue to establish their presence with an early penalty kill from a carry over penalty in the second period.
Buffalo finished a perfect 7-for-7 on the penalty kill in the shutout victory. The team also went 2-for-4 on the power play thanks to Doan's first two goals of the season.
Lyon made 10 more saves in the third period for a total of 32 saves in the win.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: 7:13 - Josh Doan (1) PPG (Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin)
FLA: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: 11:12 - Josh Doan (2) PPG (Jason Zucker, Zach Benson); 14:20 - Owen Power (1) (Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs)
FLA: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
FLA: NONE
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Blue Star Home Services Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Alex Lyon - BUF
2.) Josh Doan - BUF
3.) Owen Power - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres will head on the road for a Monday night contest in Montreal against the Canadiens. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.