Alex Tuch delivered the decisive goal in the shootout, lifting the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night.
Rasmus Dahlin, Ryan McLeod, and Jason Zucker found the back of the net in regulation for Buffalo. At the same time, goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 16 saves and turned away two of three Vegas shooters in the tiebreaker. Despite entering the game having lost seven of their last eight, the Sabres managed to pull off a much-needed win.
Jack Eichel, Brett Howden, and Pavel Dorofeyev provided the scoring for the Golden Knights. Adin Hill stood tall in net, making 34 saves through regulation and overtime, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win as Vegas suffered its third loss in four games.
Eichel put the Golden Knights ahead 3-2 with just 2:33 remaining in regulation, netting his 21st goal of the season. However, Dahlin responded dramatically, scoring his 12th goal with only 13.6 seconds left to force overtime.
Buffalo forward Jiri Kulich exited the game in the second period after taking a hit from Howden at 9:25.
Game Takeaways
Sabres: Missing key forwards J.J. Peterka and Josh Norris, Buffalo still controlled the pace, outshooting Vegas 37-21. Norris, a recent trade acquisition from Ottawa, was sidelined with an undisclosed injury.
Golden Knights: Just a day after signing a six-year, $37.5 million contract extension, Hill suffered only his second defeat in his last seven starts.
Key Moment
With Luukkonen pulled for the extra attacker, Dahlin blasted a slap shot from the blue line past Hill, sending the game into overtime.
Key Stat
Dahlin became the first Sabres defenseman to tie a game in the final minute since Tyler Myers accomplished the feat on January 18, 2014, against Columbus.
Looking Ahead
Buffalo embarks on a four-game road trip, starting in Boston on Monday. Meanwhile, Vegas will look to bounce back when they face the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday.
