The Buffalo Sabres dropped a 3-1 decision to the Boston Bruins on Saturday night at TD Garden, falling to 0-2 for the third consecutive year.
Goaltender Alex Lyon turned in a strong performance in his second start of the season, stopping 28-of-30 shots, including 16 in a busy first period. Lyon held Boston scoreless through the opening 15 minutes before Pavel Zacha broke through with his first goal of the year to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.
Boston doubled its advantage midway through the second when Mark Kastelic’s shot deflected past Lyon for a 2-0 cushion. Buffalo clawed back late in the third period as Jason Zucker’s shot caromed off a Bruins defender and slipped over goaltender Jeremy Swayman’s shoulder to make it 2-1. Swayman finished with 21 saves in the win.
The Sabres pulled Lyon for an extra attacker in the closing minutes, but Sean Kuraly sealed the result with an empty-net goal in the final seconds.
Buffalo played short-handed, missing forward Josh Norris, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day with an upper-body injury. Rookie Zach Benson was also sidelined but could return Wednesday against Ottawa, according to head coach Lindy Ruff.
The Sabres return home Monday to face the Colorado Avalanche at KeyBank Center. Puck drop set for 12:30 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].