Jack Eichel led the way for the Buffalo Sabres, scoring two goals in a 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday, marking a significant moment for the team.
With the win, the Sabres (2-1-0) now have a winning record for the first time since the 2012-13 lockout-shortened season. Eichel, the 21-year-old captain, has played a key role in Buffalo’s back-to-back victories, also contributing in their 3-1 win over the New York Rangers on Saturday.
“We’re coming together as a group,” Eichel said. “We’re not a finished product yet, but you can see the desperation and togetherness in our playing.”
Marco Scandella and Jason Pominville also scored for Buffalo, while goaltender Carter Hutton made 35 saves, following up on his impressive 43-save performance against the Rangers.
“It’s nice to get off to a good start,” said Pominville, reflecting on the team’s newfound confidence. Pominville was part of the 2013 Sabres team before being traded and then rejoining Buffalo last season.
For the Golden Knights (1-2-0), Erik Haula and Jonathan Marchessault scored, but it wasn’t enough, as they dropped their second game on a five-game road trip. Marc-Andre Fleury made 13 saves but faced criticism from his coach, Gerard Gallant, who highlighted the team’s defensive errors.
“We weren’t mentally sharp,” Gallant said. “There were mental lapses, and we left guys wide open. You can’t blame Fleury on those goals.”
Despite outshooting Buffalo in every period, Gallant noted that Vegas failed to create many strong scoring opportunities.
Eichel’s second-period backhand goal, set up by Sam Reinhart’s slick pass, extended Buffalo’s lead to 2-0. Vegas quickly answered with a wrist shot from Haula, but the Sabres regained control with two goals in just over a minute—Scandella’s long-range shot followed by Pominville’s one-timer.
The Sabres never trailed, with Eichel’s first goal coming on a power play in the first period, assisted by Rasmus Ristolainen. Marchessault added a late goal for Vegas in the third, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
Game Notes:
- Vegas remains 0-for-8 on the power play this season.
- The Golden Knights didn’t suffer their second loss last season until their 10th game.
- Vegas swept Buffalo in both matchups last season, winning in overtime and a shootout.
- Sabres C Johan Larsson is nearing a return after practicing for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury in September.
Up Next:
- Vegas: Heads to Washington for a Stanley Cup Final rematch on Wednesday.
- Buffalo: Concludes its four-game homestand against Colorado on Thursday.