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Buffalo Sabres Outshine Calgary Flames in High-Octane Shootout

JJ Peterka emerged as the shootout hero, helping the Buffalo Sabres edge past the Calgary Flames in a nail-biting 3-2 victory on Saturday. Tage Thompson and Zach Benson’s early goals set the tone for the Sabres, who celebrated their third straight victory. Goalkeeper Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was in top form, thwarting 24 shots during overtime and standing tall during the crucial shootout.

Thompson’s Power Play Breaks the Ice

Thompson ignited the Sabres’ attack with a power play goal at 13:37, marking his 10th goal of the season and establishing him as the team’s leading scorer. Mikael Backlund and Matt Coronato retaliated for the Flames, who had previously enjoyed six consecutive victories on Buffalo’s turf. Their winning streak dates back to their 4-2 defeat on November 21, 2016.

Flames’ Vladar Falters

Flames’ goalie Dan Vladar, despite making 17 saves, couldn’t prevent his team’s loss, marking his recent record as 1-4-1 in his last six appearances. Backlund’s third goal of the season leveled the game at 2-2 with just over four minutes remaining in regulation time. The Flames returned from their three-game road trip with a 1-0-2 record.

Peterka’s Decisive Shootout Goal

Peterka sealed the deal for Buffalo during their second attempt in the shootout. Deftly maneuvering from the left circle, he tricked Vladar by pretending to cut across the net’s front before slipping the puck between Vladar’s legs.

Key Insights and Upcoming Matches

The Flames have experienced a slight chill, recording a 2-5-2 performance following their impressive 5-0-1 start. Meanwhile, the Sabres, who only managed three consecutive wins twice last season, are positioned to break their pattern with a fourth win. This would be their first since the period of January 19-26, 2023.

In a decisive moment of the game, the Sabres managed to kill a penalty during the final 80 seconds of overtime for having too many men on the ice.

Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres’ captain, made his mark by recording his 235th career assist, making him the third highest assisting defenseman in the team’s history, surpassing Alexei Zhitnik.

Looking ahead, the Flames will face off against Los Angeles on Monday, while the Sabres will welcome Montreal to their home ice on the same day.