Final Score Recap – Buffalo Sabres vs. San Jose Sharks – November 23, 2024
Score Summary:
- Buffalo Sabres: 4
- San Jose Sharks: 2
Key Game Statistics
Shots on Goal:
- Buffalo Sabres: 31
- San Jose Sharks: 33
Power Play Performance:
- Buffalo Sabres Power Play Goals: 0 out of 2 opportunities
- San Jose Sharks Power Play Goals: 0 out of 5 opportunities
Sabres Overcome Sharks with Third-Period Surge for 4-2 Victory
The Buffalo Sabres showcased their resilience in a thrilling 4-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. After falling behind 2-1 through two periods, the Sabres stormed back with three unanswered goals in the final frame. Dylan Cozens tied the game early in the third with a blistering slap shot, marking his fourth goal of the season. Minutes later, Alex Tuch delivered the highlight of the night, scoring a shorthanded goal—his seventh of the season and third shorthanded tally—putting Buffalo ahead for good. Rasmus Dahlin sealed the win with an empty-netter late in the game.
The Sharks had control early, outshooting the Sabres 28-22 through two periods and taking a 2-1 lead thanks to goals by Fabian Zetterlund and Luke Kunin. However, Buffalo’s defensive adjustments and stellar goaltending from James Reimer, who stopped 31 of 33 shots, kept the game within reach. The Sabres dominated the third period, outshooting San Jose 9-5 and capitalizing on key opportunities to secure the comeback win.
Sabres vs. San Jose Sharks: Period-by-Period Breakdown:
Sabres and Sharks Trade Goals in High-Tempo First Period
The Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks wasted no time trading blows in an energetic first period, which ended in a 1-1 tie. The Sharks struck first when Fabian Zetterlund pounced on a rebound and buried it past Sabres goaltender James Reimer. Just 1:04 later, Sabres forward Peyton Krebs responded with a dazzling wrist shot, sniping it into the net to even the score. Both teams pushed the pace, combining for 27 shots, with the Sharks holding a 16-11 edge in that department. The Sharks also had the lone power play of the period but failed to capitalize, as Reimer stood tall to keep the game knotted.
Sabres vs. San Jose Sharks: First-Period Goals and Penalties
Sabres Goals:
- Peyton Krebs (3)
Assists: B. Byram (9)
Sharks Goals:
- Fabian Zetterlund (8)
Assists: J. Walman (11), W. Eklund (13)
First Period Penalties:
- 02:04 – Sabres: Connor Clifton Delaying Game – Puck over glass
- 19:19 – Sharks: Luke Kunin Cross-checking against Sam Lafferty
- 19:19 – Sabres: Sam Lafferty Cross-checking against Luke Kunin
Luke Kunin’s Backhand Puts Sharks Ahead After Defensive Breakdown in Second Period
The San Jose Sharks edged ahead in the second period, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the Buffalo Sabres to take a 2-1 lead into the final frame. Sharks forward Luke Kunin was left unmarked in front of the net and smoothly backhanded the puck past James Reimer for the lone goal of the period. The Sabres continued to battle, generating 11 shots to San Jose’s 12, but they now trail in the shot count 28-22 overall. Both teams had opportunities on the power play but failed to convert, keeping special teams from being a factor. With 20 minutes left, Buffalo will need to find another gear to get back in the game.
Sabres vs. San Jose Sharks: Second-Period Goals and Penalties
Sabres Goals: None
Sharks Goals:
- Luke Kunin (4)
Assists: T. Toffoli (7), A. Wennberg (7)
Second Period Penalties:
- 06:32 – Sabres: Connor Clifton Cross-checking against Ty Dellandream
- 12:08 – Sharks: Timothy Liljegren Holding against JJ Peterka
Sabres Rally with Three Goals in the Third to Down Sharks 4-2
The Buffalo Sabres stormed back in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals to claim a 4-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Dylan Cozens ignited the comeback at the 2:07 mark with a blistering slap shot, his fourth goal of the season, tying the game at 2-2. Just three minutes later, Alex Tuch delivered a game-changing moment. Intercepting a pass while shorthanded, Tuch streaked in and buried his seventh goal of the season—his third shorthanded tally—tying him for the league lead in shorthanded goals with former Sabre Sam Reinhart. Rasmus Dahlin sealed the win with an empty-net goal late in the period, capping the Sabres’ dominance. Buffalo outshot San Jose 9-5 in the final frame, showcasing their resilience and determination to secure the win.
Sabres vs. San Jose Sharks: Third-Period Goals and Penalties
Sabres Goals:
- Dylan Cozens (4)
Assists: R. Dahlin (13), B. Byram (10) - Alex Tuch (7)
Assists: Unassisted - Rasmus Dahlin (6)
Assists: Unassisted
Sharks Goals:
Third Period Penalties:
- 04:42 – Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin Cross-checking against Alexander Wennberg
- 06:58 – Sharks: Carl Grundstrom Holding the stick against Zach Benson
- 06:58 – Sabres: Zach Benson Hooking against Carl Grundstrom
- 12:22 – Sabres: Peyton Krebs Hooking against Will Smith
- 14:03 – Sabres: Too many men on the ice
- 17:02 – Sharks: Jack Thompson Tripping against Zach Benson
Three Stars of the Game
1. James Reimer – GAA: 2.00 | SV%: .939
James Reimer was a rock in net for the Buffalo Sabres, turning aside 31 of 33 shots to anchor his team to a hard-fought victory. Reimer made several key saves, particularly during the Sharks’ power-play opportunities, to keep the Sabres within striking distance before their third-period surge.
2. Bowen Byram – G: 0 | A: 2 | P: 2
Bowen Byram was a pivotal playmaker for the Sabres, collecting assists on Peyton Krebs’ and Dylan Cozens’ goals. His crisp passing and on-ice vision helped fuel Buffalo’s offense, particularly in critical moments of the game.
3. Tyler Toffoli – G: 0 | A: 1 | P: 1
Despite the Sharks’ loss, Tyler Toffoli was a steady presence on the ice, contributing an assist and generating scoring chances throughout the game. His offensive efforts kept San Jose in contention before Buffalo took over in the final period.
Condensed Game Highlights
Next Game: Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild
The Buffalo Sabres will host the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, November 27th, at 7 PM at KeyBank Center in a high-stakes showdown. The Wild, with a stellar 13-3-4 record, are second in the Central Division and one of the league’s top teams.
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