The Buffalo Sabres earned a 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center, with Peyton Krebs scoring the go-ahead goal with 3:01 remaining to lift Buffalo back into first place in the Atlantic Division.
Buffalo improved its standing with the win, moving back atop the division with a two-point lead and reaching the 100-point mark for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
Krebs’ decisive goal came shortly after the Islanders tied the game early in the third period, giving the Sabres a late edge they would not relinquish. Tage Thompson and Jack Quinn powered the offense, each recording a power-play goal and an assist. Thompson’s goal marked his 38th of the season, tying him with Alexander Mogilny for 12th on the franchise’s all-time goals list.
Bowen Byram added an empty-net goal to seal the win as Buffalo improved to 23-2-0 when leading after the first period.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 25 saves, including a key stop on a penalty shot in the second period to keep the game within reach. The Sabres also withstood physical play, as Josh Norris briefly exited in the second period before returning, while Sam Carrick left early in the third after a fight and did not return.
Buffalo continued its strong run of form, earning points in 23 of its last 27 games.
The Sabres (46-21-8) begin a two-game road trip Thursday in Ottawa against the Senators, with puck drop set 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.