Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres, once again, outshot their opponent on home ice, but were only able to score one goal in a 3-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday afternoon at KeyBank Center.
Only one goal was scored in the opening period of play thanks to a power play chance midway through the frame.
Jake Neighbours recorded his 16th goal of the season with a rebound chance at the side of the Buffalo net with Sabres defenseman Ryan Johnson in the penalty box for slashing. Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas assisted on the goal that made it 1-0, St. Louis.
The Sabres had a pair of power play chances in the first 20 minutes of play, but were unable to beat goalie Joel Hofer.
Buffalo was credited with 10 shots on goal in the opening period.
Buffalo answered early in the second period thanks to good positioning by Kyle Okposo in front of the St. Louis net. Tage Thompson helped set up the play that produced Okposo's 10th goal of the season. It came less than a minute into the second period.
Another fortuitous bounce in favor of the Blues allowed the visitors to re-take the lead over Buffalo.
Jordan Kyrou was at the top of the crease when Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's redirect went right to the forward's stick to make it 2-1, St. Louis. Colton Parayko and Calle Rosen were credited with the assists.
The only goal of the third period came on a rebound chance off an odd-man rush for St. Louis.
Brayden Schenn took the initial shot that was saved by Luukkonen, but Neighbours was in the right spot for his second goal of the game. The even strength goal made the score 3-1 in favor of the Blues.
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SCORING RECAP:
First Period:
BUF: NONE
STL: 12:53 - Jake Neighbours (16) PPG (Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas)
Second Period:
BUF: 0:51 - Kyle Okposo (10) (unassisted)
STL: 4:32 - Jordan Kyrou (15) (Colton Parayko, Calle Rosen)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
STL: 18:03 - Jake Neighbours (17) (Brayden Schenn, Kasperi Kapanen)
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1. Jake Neighbours - STL
2. Joel Hofer - STL
3. Jordan Kyrou - STL
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What's next:
The Sabres remain home for their third-straight game at KeyBank Center out of the All-Star break, welcoming the Los Angeles Kings for a 7 o'clock faceoff in Downtown Buffalo. Pregame coverage on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550 - begins at 6 p.m. EST with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.