Sabres Overcome Obstacles in Overtime Win Over Blues

The Buffalo Sabres tied the game not once, but twice, at three in the third period against the St. Louis Blues. Dylan Cozens had a goal called back on a goalie interference challenge by the Blues, but the Sabres persevered to earn the 4-3 overtime victory. The triumph marks Buffalo’s fourth win in five games.

Brandon Saad put the Blues on the board first, but first-period goals by Zach Benson and Ryan McLeod gave the Sabres the lead after one. The second period was mostly controlled by St. Louis, who regained the lead on a goal by Pavel Buchnevich and another by Saad. After it was deemed Benson impaired Blues goalie Jordan Binnington’s ability to make the save on Cozens’ goal, Alex Tuch tied the game in the third for Buffalo.

Oskar Sundqvist was called for goaltender interference with just over a minute left in regulation. The Sabres played keep-away during the entirety of the remainder, to set up a full four-on-three powerplay in overtime. Rasmus Dahlin one-timed home the game-winner, earning the two points for Buffalo.

Zach Benson

Without Tage Thompson, the Sabres needed somebody to step up at forward. One of those players on Thursday was Benson, with a great two-way performance and a goal just as the powerplay expired. He was under the skin of the Blues all night, drawing plenty of attention in front of the net and after the whistle.

Benson started the game on a line with McLeod and Tuch, before switching back to his usual linemates, Cozens and Jack Quinn, in the third period. It made the positive effect on his teammates even more obvious, as Cozens and Quinn found a new gear with Benson.

Ryan McLeod

Thompson’s direct replacement was McLeod, who has earned the opportunity with his consistent play this season. He earned the first star of the game honors with a goal and an assist. His goal was a beauty of a wrister from a distance. His assist was perhaps even better, as he fed Tuch from behind the net for the goal at the edge of the crease.

It’s likely not a long-term solution, but McLeod’s ability to jump right into a top-six role and contribute bodes well for Buffalo’s scoring depth. Thompson is day-to-day as he heals from a lower-body injury and the quality play by McLeod against the Blues may have bought him some extra time to get right.

Sabres Goaltending

The other key player missing from Thursday’s game for Buffalo was Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Devon Levi started in his place and performed well enough to keep Buffalo in it. He made a couple of big cross-crease saves with the Sabres down a goal and tied, allowing Buffalo to find a way to two points.

The Sabres reclaimed James Reimer on Wednesday from the Anaheim Ducks. He will likely stick around until more is certain about Luukkonen’s health. The Sabres can free up an extra roster spot by placing Mattias Samuelsson on injured reserve, which could help them keep Reimer around for the team’s trip out west next week.