Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Connor McDavid's third period goal, his second of the night, was the difference in the Edmonton Oilers' 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night at KeyBank Center.
McDavid was able to convert on a wrap-around chance from behind the Buffalo net to give Edmonton a 1-0 lead just over seven minutes into the game. The goal was McDavid's 53rd of the season and 123rd point on the campaign.
The Sabres answered back just a few minutes later thanks to a power play chance, evening the score at 1-1. Jeff Skinner buried a one-timer on a pass from Tage Thompson, as the goal came with Zach Hyman in the penalty box for holding.
The two teams combined for 36 shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes. Buffalo was credited with 15, while the visitors recorded 21 in the frame.
Derek Ryan was able to break the tie with just over a minute remaining in the second period. The forward's 11th goal of the season allowed Edmonton to re-establish a one-goal lead, 2-1.
The Oilers thought they took the lead earlier in the frame when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins converted a second chance opportunity. However, the Sabres successfully challenged for offside and negated the goal.
Dylan Cozens wasted no time in the third period with his 24th goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2. Jacob Bryson and Casey Mittelstadt assisted on the goal that came less than one minute into the third period.
Edmonton re-gained the lead minutes later when McDavid was able to get around the Sabres defense and beat goalie Craig Anderson with a wrist shot. His second goal of the game made the score 3-2 in favor of the Oilers.
The Sabres finished the night with 38 shots on goal, with Stuart Skinner making 36 saves in the winning effort.
Neither team had a power play chance in the third period. Buffalo finished the game with one power play goal on two opportunities, while killing off their lone shorthanded chance.
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GAME RECAP
Scoring Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 9:45 - Jeff Skinner (27) PPG (Tage Thompson)
EDM: 7:21 - Connor McDavid (53) (Ryan McLeod, Cody Ceci)
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
EDM: 18:45 - Derek Ryan (11) (Devin Shore, Darnell Nurse)
Third Period:
BUF: 0:41 - Dylan Cozens (24) (Jacob Bryson, Casey Mittelstadt)
EDM: 3:23 - Connor McDavid (54) (Warren Foegele, Mattias Ekholm)
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Penalty Summary
First Period
BUF: 12:37 - Tage Thompson (Tripping - 2 min.)
EDM: 9:02 - Zach Hyman (Holding - 2 min.)
Second Period
BUF: NONE
EDM: 8:42 - Evan Bouchard (Cross-checking - 2 min.)
Third Period
BUF: NONE
EDM: NONE
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Connor McDavid - EDM
2.) Stuart Skinner - EDM
3.) Jeff Skinner - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres are right back on the ice Tuesday night, traveling to take on the New York Islanders on Long Island. The two teams will drop the puck at 7:30 p.m. EST on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550. Pregame coverage with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog begins at 6:30 p.m. EST.
