The Buffalo Sabres continued their scorching run with a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena, improving to 44-20-6 and moving back into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference with 94 points.
Buffalo extended its franchise-record road point streak to 13 games (12-0-1), tying for the longest such streak in the NHL this season, and has now won 12 of its last 13 games since the Olympic break.
The Sabres trailed 1-0 after the first period before responding in the second. Tage Thompson tied the game at 4:05 with his 36th goal of the season, finishing a rebound to even the score.
Buffalo took control in the third period. Sam Carrick netted the go-ahead goal with 8:48 remaining, finishing a feed from Zach Benson, who absorbed contact to set up the play. The Kings challenged the goal for a high stick, but it stood, leading to a power-play opportunity.
Rasmus Dahlin capitalized less than a minute later to extend the lead to 3-1, and Benson added an empty-net goal to seal the win.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 26 saves as Buffalo’s defense continued its strong stretch, allowing just three total goals over the last four games.
Carrick, acquired at the trade deadline, now has five goals in eight games with the Sabres.
The Sabres road trip concludes Sunday in Anaheim against the Ducks, with puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.