Tage Thompson played a key role in Buffalo’s offensive surge with a goal and two assists before exiting the game in the third period due to a hit to the head. Despite his absence, the Sabres managed to fend off a late push from the New Jersey Devils, securing a 4-3 victory on Sunday night.
JJ Peterka, Ryan McLeod, and Jason Zucker also contributed goals for Buffalo, which extended its winning streak to three games. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves to help seal the win.
Thompson Injured in Controversial Collision
The game took a rough turn early in the third period when Devils forward Stefan Noesen delivered a high elbow to Thompson’s head at the blue line. As Thompson stretched for the puck, Noesen knocked it away before following through with a hard hit that sent Thompson’s helmet flying and left him briefly down on the ice. The Sabres’ leading scorer skated off under his own power but did not return. Noesen was assessed a game misconduct for the play.
Devil’s Late Push Falls Short
Paul Cotter led New Jersey with two goals, while Jack Hughes added a short-handed tally just 21 seconds after Noesen’s penalty, cutting the deficit to one. However, the Devils couldn’t find the equalizer.
New Jersey struggled in net, with Jake Allen stopping 23 of 27 shots before being replaced by Nico Daws late in the second period. Daws finished with seven saves.
Sabres Take Command Early
Buffalo dominated the opening period, jumping to a 3-0 lead. Thompson struck first with his 26th goal of the season before Peterka and McLeod extended the advantage.
Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin recorded two assists, surpassing Mike Ramsey for the second-most points (331) by a Sabres defenseman in franchise history.
Takeaways
Devils: Missing captain Nico Hischier and top goaltender Jakob Markstrom, New Jersey couldn’t build on its late-January momentum after winning three of its last four games.
Sabres: Despite sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Buffalo has managed to put together a three-game win streak for the fifth time this season. The team is still searching for its first four-game winning streak since January 2023.
Key Moment
With less than 30 seconds remaining in the first period, McLeod stripped the puck from New Jersey’s Dougie Hamilton in the defensive zone, sprinted down the ice, and finished a short-handed breakaway with a slick backhand past Allen, giving Buffalo a commanding 3-0 lead.
Stat of the Night
Although the Devils managed a short-handed goal, their second-ranked power play struggled, going 0-for-5, including two missed opportunities in the third period.
What’s Next
New Jersey continues its road trip with a matchup against Pittsburgh on Tuesday, while Buffalo wraps up its four-game homestand against Columbus on the same night.
