The Buffalo Sabres erased a two-goal deficit Tuesday night before Owen Power scored with 38 seconds remaining in overtime to lift Buffalo to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center.
Buffalo improved to 2-0 on home ice to begin the season, overcoming a 2-0 deficit after two periods by scoring twice in the third before Power finished the comeback in overtime.
Power ended the night with a goal and an assist, while goaltender Colten Ellis made his first start of the season and came up with several important saves during the extra period. Ellis stopped 18-of-20 shots in the victory.
The Sabres cut Minnesota’s lead in half 3:55 into the third period. Power’s pass took a deflection off a Wild player before bouncing off Noah Östlund’s shinpad and finding its way past Minnesota goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. The goal was Östlund’s first of the season.
Buffalo tied the game at 9:38 when Tage Thompson buried a one-timer from the slot off a pass from Peyton Krebs.
The Sabres had two power-play opportunities, including one late in regulation after Minnesota was called for high-sticking with 3:51 remaining. Buffalo could not convert either chance, with Wallstedt making a glove save on Thompson during the late opportunity.
Minnesota scored twice in the second period within a span of 1:45. Danila Yurov opened the scoring with a power-play one-timer before Maxim Shabanov added another goal shortly afterward.
Yurov’s goal was Minnesota’s only successful power play on four opportunities. Wallstedt finished with 25 saves on 28 shots.
Buffalo continues its homestand Thursday against the Dallas Stars. Puck drop is 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.
