The Buffalo Sabres (22-26-5) extended their win streak to four with a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets (26-21-7) at KeyBank Center on Tuesday night.
Alex Tuch led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Bowen Byram and Jason Zucker each contributed key points. James Reimer stepped in for the injured Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, making 28 saves.
Byram opened the scoring for Buffalo at 10:07 of the first period, capitalizing on a loose puck in the high slot after Zucker’s initial shot was blocked. Columbus responded early in the second, as Kent Johnson tied the game with an impressive backhand finish. However, the Sabres wasted no time regaining control, with Tuch tipping in Dennis Gilbert’s slap pass at 12:17 to put Buffalo back on top.
Tuch struck again late in the period, redirecting a Rasmus Dahlin shot from the point to give the Sabres a 3-1 advantage. Columbus fought back when Ivan Provorov deflected a cross-ice feed past Reimer at 12:38 of the third, but Buffalo held firm to close out the win.
The Sabres will get a few days off before heading to Nashville to face the Predators on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].