Miles Wood scored the go-ahead goal on a power play early in the third period, leading the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night in a matchup of two struggling teams.
Yegor Sharangovich and Sami Vatanen also found the back of the net as the Devils ended their 11-game home losing streak (0-10-1). Mackenzie Blackwood was solid in goal, making 33 saves.
“They made a push in the third period, but we held strong,” Wood said. “We stuck to our game plan, and everyone bought in. All four lines, our defensemen, and Blackwood in the net – that’s what it takes to win.”
Tobias Rieder and Jeff Skinner scored for Buffalo, but the Sabres dropped their 12th straight game (0-10-2), marking the third-longest losing streak in franchise history. Jonas Johansson made 23 saves at the sixth start of the season.
“It was a strong effort, but we don’t get rewarded for effort; we get rewarded for results,” Sabres coach Ralph Krueger said. “It’s very painful and frustrating right now. We came here to win, and we didn’t achieve that.”
Wood scored the game-winner by deflecting Jesper Bratt’s shot from the point at 4:52 of the third period, giving him a team-leading nine goals. P.K. Subban also assisted in the play.
“I’ve challenged him a lot, and he’s responded well,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said of Wood. “I believe there’s still more potential in Miles’ game, but his speed and ability to create chances are special skills many players don’t possess.”
Buffalo forward Eric Staal had two opportunities to tie the game late, but Blackwood made two of his best night saves in the final minute to preserve the win.
“Everyone was digging in for each other, making up for any mistakes, blocking shots, and boxing out,” Blackwood said. “It was great to see.”
Buffalo scored twice within 57 seconds during the second period to take a 2-1 lead.
Rieder capitalized on Wood’s turnover by firing a shot from the right circle past Blackwood. Skinner then added his second goal of the season with a slick forehand-backhand move, roofing the puck at 7:10 after a strong outlet pass from defenseman Brandon Montour. Casey Mittelstadt also assisted on the play.
Vatanen tied the game with a wrist shot from the blue line at 10:39 of the second period, with Nathan Bastian providing a screen in front of Johansson. Janne Kuokkanen extended his point streak to five games with the primary assist.
Sharangovich opened the scoring for New Jersey with a wrist shot from the slot at 17:40 of the first period. The 22-year-old forward has six goals this season and extended his point streak to three games. Damon Severson and Travis Zajac assisted on the goal.
“We just have to keep playing our game, and the wins will follow,” Vatanen said. “We need to keep pushing and stay focused.”
HISCHIER UPDATE
Before the game, the Devils announced that captain Nico Hischier underwent surgery on Monday to repair a frontal sinus fracture sustained on February 27. He is expected to be out for approximately three weeks.
ALTERNATE SWEATERS
The Sabres and Devils wore their reverse retro jerseys during the game.
BACK-TO-BACK STRUGGLES
Buffalo concluded its eighth set of back-to-back games this season with a 2-6-0 record in the first and 1-7-0 in the second.
UP NEXT:
- Sabres: Host the Boston Bruins on Thursday.
- Devils: Host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.
