Jiri Kulich found the back of the net twice, including the game-winning goal with just over two minutes left in regulation, lifting the Buffalo Sabres (20-26-5) to a 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators (18-25-7) on Friday night at KeyBank Center.
Kulich took a cross-ice pass from Tage Thompson and beat Justus Annunen short side to seal Buffalo’s second straight win.
Ryan McLeod opened the scoring early in the first, redirecting a Jack Quinn shot for a 1-0 lead. Kulich extended the advantage to 2-0 with a highlight-reel wrist shot off a stretch pass from Rasmus Dahlin. Nashville responded with three straight goals, including Brady Skjei’s deflection off Alex Tuch and Tommy Novak’s tip-in, to take a 3-2 lead early in the second period.
Jason Zucker brought Buffalo back even at 3-3, finishing a give-and-go with Tuch midway through the second.
Dahlin notched two assists, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 29 saves in net for the Sabres.
Next up, the Sabres welcome the New Jersey Devils to town for a Sunday matinee, with face-off slated for 1 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].