The Buffalo Sabres extended their winless streak to five games in heartbreaking fashion, dropping a 3-2 overtime decision to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night at KeyBank Center. Adam Lowry’s goal with just over a minute left in the extra period sealed the victory for the Jets, who remain one of the NHL’s top teams by points percentage.
Despite strong individual efforts, including goals from Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens, the Sabres were unable to hold onto two separate leads in regulation. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen turned in a solid 29-save performance, but it wasn’t enough to stave off Winnipeg’s relentless attack.
First Period: Quick Strikes and Penalty Kills Shine
The Sabres came out firing and drew first blood on a power-play goal just over three minutes into the game. Tage Thompson, positioned on the right flank, unleashed a laser wrist shot that beat Connor Hellebuyck cleanly off the far-side post. The goal was Thompson’s 10th first-period tally of the season and extended his point streak at home.
However, Winnipeg responded just 47 seconds later when Gabriel Vilardi tipped a Haydn Fleury point shot past Luukkonen. Buffalo challenged the play for goaltender interference, arguing Vilardi impeded Luukkonen’s ability to make the save. After review, the officials upheld the goal, awarding Winnipeg a power play due to the unsuccessful challenge.
Dylan Cozens restored Buffalo’s lead midway through the period, skillfully redirecting a feed from rookie Zach Benson on a rush. Cozens has now tallied six points in his last six home games, continuing to be a bright spot in Buffalo’s lineup. Benson’s assist marked his fourth in as many games.
Buffalo’s penalty kill also shone brightly, going a perfect 3-for-3 in the opening frame to protect their lead.
Second Period: Missed Opportunities and Controversy
The Sabres faced adversity early in the second period as consecutive minor penalties handed Winnipeg a 5-on-3 advantage. Kyle Connor took full advantage, threading a one-timer through Luukkonen to tie the game at 2-2.
Later in the period, it appeared that Tyson Kozak, making his NHL debut, had scored his first career goal to give the Sabres the lead. However, the Jets successfully challenged the play for goaltender interference, citing contact in the crease. The overturned goal marked a turning point as Buffalo’s momentum faltered.
Connor Clifton and Jason Zucker added assists during the frame, marking back-to-back games with helpers for both players.
Third Period: Sabres Dominate but Can’t Break Through
Buffalo controlled the pace for much of the third period, outshooting Winnipeg 8-2 and generating several high-danger chances. Alex Tuch came close to putting the Sabres ahead but was denied on a sharp-angle shot by Hellebuyck. Despite the offensive push, including a late power play drawn by Beck Malenstyn, the Sabres could not solve Hellebuyck, who finished the night with 28 saves.
Overtime: Jets Capitalize on Opportunity
The Jets secured the victory with just over a minute remaining in overtime. The decisive play began with Hellebuyck turning aside an Alex Tuch chance, which led to a 2-on-0 rush for Winnipeg. Though Bowen Byram hustled back to negate the odd-man rush, Lowry pounced on a rebound from Luukkonen and tapped in the game-winner.
Key Takeaways
- Tage Thompson: Scored his 15th point in his last 12 home games and continues to lead the Sabres in clutch moments.
- Dylan Cozens: Added another multi-point effort, solidifying his strong stretch with four points in his last four games.
- Tyson Kozak: Showed flashes in his NHL debut but was robbed of a first-career goal by a coach’s challenge.
- Penalty Kill: Buffalo’s PK unit impressed, going 4-for-5 against a potent Winnipeg power play.
Key Moments and Highlights from Sabres vs. Jets
What’s Next?
The Sabres (11-12-3) continue their homestand Saturday afternoon, welcoming the Utah Hockey Club to KeyBank Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 PM, and coverage begins at 12:30 PM on MSG.
For fans looking for a turnaround, the game offers another opportunity for Buffalo to snap their five-game skid and re-establish momentum at home. Tickets are still available via the team’s website.