Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres scored three times unanswered in the third period to turn a two-goal deficit into a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night at KeyBank Center.
Sidney Crosby continued his success against the Sabres to give the game its first score late in the opening period. The Penguins captain capitalized on a turnover in the offensive zone with just over three minutes left in the period.
Jake Guentzel helped create the turnover, and was credited with the lone assist on the goal that made it 1-0, Pittsburgh.
Both teams were credited with 11 shots on goal in the opening period. The Sabres had several chances to start the game, but were unable to beat goalie Alex Nedeljkovic in the opening 20 minutes. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 10 saves for Buffalo, as well.
The Sabres were unable to score in the second period.
However, Peyton Krebs got into a scuffle with Penguins defenseman Kris Letang that resulted in each player taking a roughing minor.
Another turnover in the defensive end resulted in a goal against for Buffalo.
Matt Nieto was able to corral a loose puck and feed Lars Eller. The forward doubled Pittsburgh's lead to 2-0 with his third goal of the season. The goal came with just over three minutes remaining in the period, and sent the Sabres to the intermission trailing by two.
A power play chance early in the third period helped get the Sabres on the score sheet, and trim their deficit in half.
With Evgeni Malkin in the penalty box for hooking for Pittsburgh, Alex Tuch was able to feed Jeff Skinner in front of the net with a pass that they cashed in on. The goal was Skinner's ninth of the season to make the score 2-1 in favor of Pittsburgh.
The Sabres were able to score the equalizer later in the third period when Kyle Okposo sent a pass to the front of the net that was deflected by Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and into his own net.
The pass was intended for Krebs, initially. Rasmus Dahlin and Victor Olofsson were credited with the assists on the game-tying goal, 2-2.
Dahlin also reached a career milestone with his assist on the game-tying goal:
Skinner returned the favor with Tuch late in the third period to give the Sabres their first lead of the game. Tuch's sixth goal of the year came at the top of the crease for a 3-2 lead with just 2:44 remaining on the clock.
It was the third goal in less than 12 minutes for three-unanswered goals. The tally was also enough to help the Sabres hold on for two points against an Eastern Conference foe.
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SCORING SUMMARY:
First Period:
BUF: NONE
PIT: 16:46 - Sidney Crosby (13) (Jake Guentzel)
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
PIT: 16:34 - Lars Eller (3) (Matt Nieto)
Third Period:
BUF: 5:13 - Jeff Skinner (9) PPG (Alex Tuch, Victor Olofsson); 10:32 - Kyle Okposo (1) (Rasmus Dahlin, Victor Olofsson); 17:16 - Alex Tuch (6) (Jeff Skinner, Casey Mittelstadt)
PIT: NONE
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Alex Tuch - BUF
2.) Jeff Skinner - BUF
3.) Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen - BUF
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What's next:
The Sabres are right back on the road, starting in New Jersey on Saturday night to take on the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. EST on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550. Pregame coverage with Pat Malacaro starts at 6 p.m. EST.