The Buffalo Sabres extended their point streak but saw their home win streak end Tuesday night with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center.
For the second straight game, Buffalo surrendered a third-period lead before falling in overtime. Miles Wood, who tied the game earlier in the third, scored the winner midway through the extra frame to hand the Sabres their second consecutive OT defeat.
Buffalo once again struggled early, failing to register a shot until late in the first period. Columbus capitalized on the slow start when Yegor Chinakhov buried a loose puck to open the scoring. The Sabres have now been outshot 96-78 in first periods this season and own a 1-4 record when allowing the first goal.
The Sabres turned things around in the second, sparked by Ryan McLeod, who won a key faceoff that led to his own goal after setups from Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch. Josh Dunne netted his first career NHL goal in the third, crashing the net for a gritty tally that gave Buffalo a brief 2-1 advantage.
Buffalo, now 4-4-2 on the season, has collected points in eight of its last seven games but continues searching for ways to finish close contests.
The Sabres return to action Thursday when they visit 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].