Rasmus Dahlin returned from a personal leave and helped lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 5-4 overtime win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night at Little Caesars Arena.
Buffalo trailed 4-1 late in the second period when Dahlin’s point shot deflected off Josh Doan and into the net, igniting a dramatic comeback. The Sabres scored twice in the third period, with Tage Thompson producing a highlight-reel goal and Ryan McLeod followed with a shorthanded breakaway to force overtime. Just 1:03 into the extra frame, Thompson created space near the Detroit net and set up Mattias Samuelsson for the game-winner from the high slot. Alex Tuch also scored for Buffalo.
Colten Ellis made 24 saves for his second career win, both against Detroit, and recorded his first NHL point with an assist on Thompson’s goal. Dahlin played a team-high 25:38 and finished with two assists, returning after spending time with his fiancée, Carolina, who is recovering from an emergency heart transplant.
The victory ended a five-game winless streak and gave Buffalo its first road win of the season, improving their record to 1-5-2 away from KeyBank Center.
The Sabres return home Monday to face the Edmonton Oilers, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.