The Buffalo Sabres showed how crucial it is to score first, as they ended their four-game losing streak by defeating the New Jersey Devils 3-2 on Saturday. The win also snapped the Devils’ three-game winning run.
Defenseman Colin Miller opened the scoring early for the Sabres, followed by two goals from Sam Reinhart. Linus Ullmark made 25 saves to help secure the much-needed win for Buffalo. The Sabres improved their record to 3-0-1 when scoring first this season, in contrast to their 2-7-1 record when conceding the first goal.
“There was a real sense of relief after we went up 1-0,” said Buffalo coach Ralph Krueger. “You could feel the group settle down and play the game we wanted to play.”
Reinhart extended Buffalo’s lead to 3-0 by the end of the second period, and although the Devils mounted a comeback in the third, Ullmark and the Sabres held on for the win. Jack Eichel contributed two assists as Buffalo picked up their first victory since defeating the Devils in a shootout on January 30.
“Every win is huge, especially after our tough stretch,” Reinhart said. “Getting on the road and spending time together has been good for us.”
Kyle Palmieri and P.K. Subban scored in the third period for the Devils. Mackenzie Blackwood made 26 saves but suffered his first regulation loss of the season (4-1-1). The game also marked the season debut of Nico Hischier, who was named the Devils’ captain before the game.
“We didn’t skate well tonight,” said Devils coach Lindy Ruff. “Buffalo had more energy and won more battles. They deserved the win.”
Buffalo’s three goals all came from faceoff wins in the Devils’ zone. Miller scored after a faceoff win by Eric Staal, while Reinhart’s two goals in the second period followed faceoff victories by Eichel.
The Devils attempted a late comeback, with Palmieri scoring just 58 seconds into the third period and Subban adding a power-play goal with 3:16 remaining. However, Miller blocked a final shot by Pavel Zacha to preserve the win for Buffalo.
In the third period, Sabres defenseman Jake McCabe left the game with a knee injury. Coach Krueger expressed concern, noting McCabe had already faced challenges this season, including recovering from COVID-19.
COVID-19 UPDATE
For the first time since January 14, the Devils had no players on the NHL’s COVID-19 list. The team had been shut down for 15 days following a COVID-19 spike that affected 19 players after a game against the Sabres on January 31.
Sabres rookie Dylan Cozens returned to the lineup after missing three games due to COVID-19 protocols. Forward Casey Mittelstadt and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen each missed their fourth consecutive game.
MILESTONE APPROACH
Travis Zajac returned to the Devils’ lineup after being sidelined with COVID-19 and played in his 999th regular-season game. He is set to become the 66th player in NHL history to play 1,000 games with one team, joining Ken Daneyko, Martin Brodeur, and Patrik Elias as the only Devils to achieve the milestone.
UP NEXT
- Sabres: Travel to face the New York Islanders on Monday, followed by a home-and-home series against the Devils on Tuesday and Thursday.
- Devils: Visit the Washington Capitals on Sunday before facing the Sabres again.
