The Buffalo Sabres (18-26-5) fell 3-2 to the Edmonton Oilers (31-15-3) at Rogers Place on Saturday afternoon, dropping to 1-4 in their last five games.
Buffalo’s Alex Tuch opened the scoring late in the first period, converting on a sharp pass from Jason Zucker, but the Oilers responded just 17 seconds later, thanks to former Sabre Jeff Skinner.
Jiri Kulich restored the Sabres lead early in the second, firing a one-timer past Stuart Skinner moments after a power play ended. Edmonton tied it up later in the period when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored on a rebound.
In the third, Nugent-Hopkins struck again at 8:59, netting the eventual game-winner off a Darnell Nurse setup. Kulich appeared to tie it late, but his goal was overturned after a review determined he kicked the puck in.
James Reimer made 31 saves for Buffalo, while Stuart Skinner stopped 39 shots for Edmonton.
The Sabres return home Tuesday to face the Boston Bruins at 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].