Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres were unable to use a quick start to their advantage against the Seattle Kraken, falling 5-2 on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center.
The Sabres jumped out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to an offensive zone faceoff win that resulted in Jeff Skinner's 17th goal of the year. Casey Mittelstadt won the draw, while Alex Tuch made a pass to Mittelstadt from along the board to help create the goal to Skinner to the left of Kraken goalie Joey Daccord.
Both Mittelstadt and Tuch picked up the assists on the opening goal of the night.
The Kraken scored the next two goals to take a 2-1 lead following 20 minutes of play.
Seattle center Yanni Gourde was able to chip in a loose puck that found its way to the front of the net to even the score at 1-1.
Not long there after, defenseman Vince Dunn converted on a power play chance for his eighth goal of the season. The goal came with Henri Jokiharju in the penalty box for slashing.
Buffalo was able to score less than a minute into the second period to briefly tie the score at 2-2. Once again, it was Tuch, Skinner, and Mittelstadt combining for the Sabres, with Tuch able to tip a pass from Skinner in for his 11th goal of the season.
However, just over two minutes later, Seattle was able to re-take the lead, and it ended up being for good.
Forward Alex Wennberg was able to sneak a shot past Devon Levi for his sixth goal of the year. Jaden Schwartz and Brian Dumolin were credited with the assists on the go-ahead score.
Schwartz added a goal of his own with just over eight minutes remaining in the second period to double Seattle's lead. The winger tipped ex-Sabres defenseman Will Borgen's point shot into the net for a 4-2 advantage.
Kraken center Matty Beniers then added his sixth goal of the year to increase Seattle's lead to 5-2 after 40 minutes.
The Sabres were credited with eight shots on goal in the second period, improving their total to 27 for the game through two periods. Buffalo recorded 19 shots on Daccord in the first period.
Neither team was able to score in the third period.
Buffalo was credited with 12 shots on goal, partially aided by their only power play opportunity of the game. The Kraken recorded six shots on goal against Levi.
The Sabres finished the night with 38 shots on goal compared to 26 for Seattle.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: 4:57 - Jeff Skinner (17) (Casey Mittlestadt, Alex Tuch)
SEA: 13:55 - Yanni Gourde (7) (Eeli Tolvanen, Oliver Bjorkstrand); 18:50 - Vince Dunn (8) PPG (Andre Burakovsky, Eeli Tolvanen)
Second Period:
BUF: 0:50 - Alex Tuch (11) (Jeff Skinner, Casey Mittelstadt)
SEA: 2:08 - Alex Wenneberg (6) (Jaden Schwartz, Brian Dumolin); 11:34 - Jaden Schwartz (9) (Brandon Tanev, Will Borgen); 16:13 - Matty Beniers (6) (Will Borgen)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
SEA: NONE
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Losi and Gangi Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Joey Daccord - SEA
2.) Jaden Schwartz - SEA
3.) Will Borgen - SEA
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What's next:
The Sabres remain home for their second game of a six-game homestand on Thursday night against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. EST with pregame coverage on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network - WGR Sports Radio 550 - beginning at 6 p.m. EST with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog.