Elmont, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres were shut out, 3-0, by Ilya Sorokin and the New York Islanders on Saturday night at UBS Arena on Long Island. The loss was Buffalo's third-straight over the last four days.
With 12:52 gone in the opening period, Islanders forward Matt Martin got loose and put home, what appeared to be, the game's first goal. However, the Sabres challenged the play for offside, and the risk turned out to be fruitful.
After a lengthy review, it was determined the play was offside seven seconds prior to the scoring play, keeping the game scoreless.
Neither team was able to break through on the scoresheet in the opening period. Buffalo was credited with 10 shots on goal in the first, while James Reimer made six saves against New York.
Reimer was making his second start for the Sabres this season.
The Islanders were able to take advantage of the first power play chance for either team in the game, with a special teams opportunity in the second period. Anders Lee was at the top of the crease and was able to tip Kyle Palmieri's pass to the front of the net in for a 1-0 lead.
Just over two minutes later, it was a turnover at the Islanders' blue line that resulted in a scoring chance for New York. Simon Holmstrom unleashed a one-time shot from a pass by Lee, doubling the Sabres' deficit to 2-0 midway through the game.
Buffalo was credited with seven shots on goal in the second period, increasing their total in the game to 17 against Ilya Sorokin. The team failed to score on their lone power play chance of the period, as well.
Holmstrom added an empty net goal with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation to secure the three-goal victory for the Islanders.
The Sabres recorded 12 shots on goal in the third period, which included a power play opportunity early in the frame, but were unable to score.
Reimer made 17 saves in the loss, with five saves coming in the third period. Buffalo was also able to kill off two of its three penalties taken in the loss.
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SCORING RECAP
First Period:
BUF: NONE
NYI: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: NONE
NYI: 7:23 - Anders Lee (10) PPG (Kyle Palmieri, Dennis Cholowski); 9:28 - Simon Holmstrom (6) (Anders Lee, Alexander Romanov)
Third Period:
BUF: NONE
NYI: 19:50 - Simon Holmstrom (7) ENG (Unassisted)
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Three Stars of the Game:
1.) Ilya Sorokin - NYI
2.) Simon Holmstrom - NYI
3.) Anders Lee - NYI
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What's next:
The Sabres return to KeyBank Center to host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night in Downtown Buffalo. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EST with Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray on the call.