The Buffalo Sabres were back in action for the first time in two weeks Monday night, but the result did not go their way in a 3-1 loss to the New York Islanders at KeyBank Center.
Victor Olofsson scored Buffalo’s lone goal and Linus Ullmark made 26 saves in net.
Anders Lee, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Brock Nelson scored for the Islanders. Mathew Barzal assisted on New York’s first goal to extend his career-high point streak to nine games. Semyon Varlamov turned aside 20 Sabres shots.
Olofsson’s power-play goal extended his point streak to a career-best seven games (3+5). Seven of his eight points have come on the power play.
Due to a rash of COVID-related absences that affected nine players plus head coach Ralph Krueger, Monday marked Buffalo’s first game action since January 31. Krueger was back behind the bench Monday night.
The 14-day layoff marked Buffalo’s longest in-season break between games not caused by player participation in the Winter Olympics.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].