James Reimer made 33 saves as the Buffalo Sabres (28-35-6) defeated the Winnipeg Jets (48-19-4) 5-3 on Sunday afternoon, delaying Winnipeg’s chance to clinch a playoff berth. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Buffalo.
Ryan McLeod led the Sabres with a goal and three assists, while Jacob Bernard-Docker recorded two assists. JJ Peterka opened the scoring in the first period with a wrist shot from the top of the circle. Nino Niederreiter tied it for Winnipeg early in the second on a power play goal that deflected off a Sabres skater.
Buffalo regained the lead before the second intermission when Bernard-Docker set up Rasmus Dahlin for a one-timer from the point. Tyson Kozak extended the lead to 3-1 in the third, scoring on a rebound during a power play.
Colin Miller quickly answered for the Jets, cutting the deficit to one with a wrist shot under the crossbar. However, Alex Tuch restored Buffalo’s two-goal lead with a short-handed breakaway goal. Nikolaj Ehlers made it 4-3 late in the third, but Reimer’s clutch saves, including a spectacular glove stop on Niederreiter, preserved the lead. McLeod sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
Buffalo lost forward Jordan Greenway to injury early in the game.
The Sabres will return home for a pair of games at KeyBank Center, starting Tuesday when they host the Ottawa Senators at 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].