Sabres Fall Short in Wild 11-Goal Affair, Drop 6-5 OT Decision to Anaheim
The Buffalo Sabres battled back from multiple deficits but ultimately fell 6-5 in overtime to Anaheim on Sunday night, capping off a thrilling 11-goal showcase that saw momentum swing repeatedly between both clubs.
First Period Sets Explosive Tone
The Sabres struck first when Alex Tuch found the back of the net just 3:36 into the opening frame, with Owen Power collecting the assist on the even-strength marker. However, Anaheim quickly answered back with two goals in a span of less than three minutes. Chris Kreider evened things up at 9:27 with help from Leo Carlsson, before Jackson LaCombe gave the Ducks their first lead at 12:23 on a play assisted by Mason McTavish and Beckett Sennecke.
Buffalo refused to let Anaheim carry a lead into the intermission, as Josh Doan scored with 2:46 remaining in the period. Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram picked up the assists on Doan's equalizer, sending both teams to the locker room knotted at 2-2.
Anaheim Pulls Away in Middle Frame
The second period belonged to the Ducks, who outscored Buffalo 2-0 to build what appeared to be a commanding advantage. Beckett Sennecke struck early at 2:35, with Jackson LaCombe earning his second point of the night on the assist. Later in the frame, Trevor Terry extended Anaheim's lead to 4-2 at 15:40, capitalizing on helpers from Tyler Washe and Olen Zellweger.
Sabres Stage Dramatic Third-Period Rally
Down by two goals entering the final frame, Buffalo mounted an impressive comeback effort with three unanswered goals. Jack Quinn started the rally at 4:40 with Rasmus Dahlin and Zach Benson providing the setup work. Owen Power continued his strong offensive showing by scoring at 10:05 with an assist from Ryan McLeod, pulling the Sabres within one.
Zach Benson completed Buffalo's comeback just 1:32 later, scoring what appeared to be the game-winner with help from Rasmus Dahlin and Beck Malenstyn. However, Anaheim had other plans, as Mikael Granlund forced overtime with a clutch goal at 18:16, assisted by Chris Kreider and Leo Carlsson.
Overtime Heartbreak
The extra session was brief but decisive. Trevor Terry played the role of hero for Anaheim, scoring an unassisted goal just 1:29 into overtime to complete his two-goal performance and secure the victory for the Ducks.
Between the Pipes
Alex Lyon shouldered the load for Buffalo, making 27 saves on 33 shots for an 81.8% save percentage. On the other side, Ville Husso earned the victory for Anaheim with 24 saves on 29 shots, posting an 82.8% save percentage.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointing result, Buffalo showed tremendous character in erasing a two-goal deficit in the third period. The Sabres generated 29 shots while being outshot 33-29 in the high-tempo affair. However, the inability to secure the extra point in overtime continues to be a concern as the team looks to build momentum moving forward. The offensive contributions from Power, Dahlin, and Benson provide encouraging signs as Buffalo seeks to bounce back in their next outing.
Written by
Lindy's Five Staff
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