Game Summary
Final Score Recap – Buffalo Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues – November 14, 2024
Score Summary:
- St. Louis Blues: 3
- Buffalo Sabres: 4 (OT)
Key Game Statistics
Shots on Goal:
- St. Louis Blues: 27
- Buffalo Sabres: 33
Power Play Performance:
- St. Louis Blues Power Play Goals: 0 out of 2 opportunities
- Buffalo Sabres Power Play Goals: 1 out of 3 opportunities
Sabres vs. Blues: Game Date and Location
Location: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY
Date: November 14, 2024
Sabres vs. Blues: Quick Recap of Thrilling OT Victory
The Buffalo Sabres secured a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues on November 14, 2024, at KeyBank Center. Rasmus Dahlin delivered the game-winning goal with just 27 seconds left on a power play, capping off a resilient effort by the Sabres. Key contributions came from Ryan McLeod, who stepped up in a first-line role with a goal and an assist, and Alex Tuch, who tied the game late in the third period. Despite being outshot in the third period, the Sabres capitalized on a late delayed penalty to gain the advantage in overtime and seal the win.
Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues: Period-by-Period Breakdown:
Sabres Gain Early Momentum but Concede First Goal
The Buffalo Sabres entered the first period with high energy, but a costly turnover allowed the St. Louis Blues to strike first. Sabres defenseman Owen Power mishandled the puck in front of the net, opening an opportunity for Blues forward Brandon Saad, who capitalized by slipping the puck past Sabres goaltender Devon Levi, giving the Blues an early 1-0 advantage.
However, the Sabres quickly regrouped. Rookie forward Zach Benson continued his impressive streak, netting his third goal in four games to level the score at 1-1. The momentum shift continued as Ryan McLeod took a shot that found its way past a screened Blues goaltender, putting the Sabres ahead 2-1 by the end of the period.
Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues: First-Period Goals and Penalties
Sabre Goals:
- Zach Benson (3) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: P. Krebs (4), O. Power (10) - Ryan McLeod (5) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Bryson (2), A. Tuch (11)
Blues Goals:
- Brandon Saad (3) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: C. Dvorak (5), B. Gallagher (2)
First Period Penalties:
- 10:43 – Blues: Scott Perunovich Slashing against JJ Peterka
Blues Dominate Second Period to Take the Lead
The St. Louis Blues controlled much of the second period, outshooting the Buffalo Sabres 12-11, and their offensive pressure paid off as they scored twice to take a 3-2 lead. Pavel Buchnevich tied the game at 2 with a crucial goal that energized the Blues’ offense, and Brandon Saad followed up with his second goal of the game, pushing the Blues ahead by the period’s end.
Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues: Second-Period Goals and Penalties
Sabre Goals: None
Blues Goals:
- Pavel Buchnevich (5) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Kyrou (10), J. Neighbours (3) - Brandon Saad (4) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: B. Schenn (6), D. Holloway (4)
Second Period Penalties:
- 02:30 – Blues: Jake Neighbours Tripping against Rasmus Dahlin
- 09:58 – Sabres: Jason Zucker Interference against Kasperi Kapanen
Sabres Rally to Force Overtime
The third period was closely contested, with the St. Louis Blues outshooting the Buffalo Sabres 8-6. The Sabres thought they had tied the game at 2 when Dylan Cozens put home a rebound at the 4:56 mark, but the St. Louis Blues challenged for goaltender interference, and after review, the referees overturned the goal. The Sabres eventually found the equalizer as Alex Tuch capitalized on a precise pass from Ryan McLeod to bring the game to 3-3. With around 50 seconds left in regulation, the Blues’ Justin Faulk took an interference penalty, and on the delayed call, the Sabres controlled the puck to run down the clock, securing a 4-on-3 power play for the full two minutes heading into overtime.
Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues: Third-Period Goals and Penalties
Sabre Goals:
- Alex Tuch (5) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: R. McLeod (6), B. Byram (8)
Blues Goals: None
Third Period Penalties:
- 20:00 – Blues: Justin Faulk Interference – Goalkeeper against Devon Levi
Rasmus Dahlin’s Power-Play Goal Seals Sabres’ 4-3 Victory
In overtime, with just 27 seconds remaining on the power play, Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin delivered the game-winning goal. Dahlin one-timed a precise pass from JJ Peterka, sending the puck into the net and securing a thrilling 4-3 victory for the Buffalo Sabres over the St. Louis Blues.
Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues: Overtime Goals and Penalties
Sabre Goals:
- Rasmus Dahlin (4) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Peterka (8), J. Quinn (4)
Three Stars of the Game
1.Ryan McLeod – G: 1 | A: 1 | P: 2
McLeod stepped up to the first line, delivering a goal and an assist, making a significant impact in the Sabres’ victory.
2.Rasmus Dahlin – G: 1 | A: 0 | P: 1
The Sabres captain scored the game-winning goal in overtime, securing the victory and proving clutch in a high-pressure moment.
3.Alex Tuch – G: 1 | A: 1 | P: 2
Tuch tied the game in the third period, showcasing his offensive prowess and helping push the Sabres into overtime.
Key Takeaways from Sabres vs. Blues
1. Sabres Capitalize on Late Power Play Opportunity
The Sabres’ ability to maintain control on the delayed penalty at the end of the third period proved critical. By preserving possession, they secured a 4-on-3 power play to start overtime, where they ultimately clinched the win with a decisive goal.
2. Ryan McLeod Shines as First Star in Top-Line Role
Ryan McLeod earned the first star of the game after stepping up to the first line due to an injury to Tage Thompson. His impactful play in this elevated role highlighted his versatility and importance to the Sabres’ lineup, contributing significantly to their victory.
Sabres vs. Blues: Key Postgame Interviews and Reactions After Thrilling OT Victory
Head coach Lindy Ruff is live with the media after tonight's win over the St. Louis Blues. https://t.co/XAlyxSTCkE
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) November 15, 2024
Condensed Game Highlights
Catch all the key moments and highlights from the Sabres’ thrilling overtime win over the Blues in our condensed game recap.
Next Game: Sabres vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Buffalo Sabres will face the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday, November 16, 2024, with the puck dropping at 7:05 PM. The Flyers hold a 7-8-2 record. Stay tuned for our pregame coverage to see what’s in store for this exciting matchup.
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