| Game Summary |
Final Score:
Buffalo Sabres 3, Calgary Flames 2 (SO)
Key Stats:
- Shots on Goal: Sabres 19 – Calgary Flames 26
- Power Play Goals: Sabres 1/2 – Calgary Flames 0/3
Date and Location:
November 9th, 2024, at Key Bank Center
| Quick Recap |
The Buffalo Sabres secured a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over the Calgary Flames at KeyBank Center. Buffalo jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with goals from Zach Benson and Tage Thompson, including a power-play tally. The Flames responded, scoring once in the second and again in the third to force overtime. After a tense extra period where the Sabres survived a late penalty, JJ Peterka clinched the win for Buffalo by netting the only goal in the shootout.
| Period-by-Period Breakdown |
First Period Highlights:
The Buffalo Sabres wasted no time setting the tone against the Calgary Flames, striking just 1:11 into the game as rookie Zach Benson capitalized on a loose puck. Adding to the early momentum, Tage Thompson extended the lead on the power play, delivering a precise shot to put the Sabres up 2-0.
First Period Goals:
Sabres:
- Zach Benson (2) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Bryson (1), O. Power (7) - Tage Thompson (10) (PP) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Bryson (1), O. Power (7)
Flames: None
First Period Penalties:
- 12:42 – Flames: Martin Pospisil Delaying Game – Puck over glass
- 16:58 – Sabres: Dennis Gilbert Hooking against Blake Coleman
Second Period Highlights:
The Sabres hit a scoring lull in the second period, giving the Calgary Flames a chance to narrow the gap. In a strange turn of events, a scuffle at center ice between Calgary’s Justin Kirkland and Buffalo’s Dennis Gilbert left Buffalo’s defense momentarily compromised. With the play continuing, Flames forward Matt Coronato found himself alone and made no mistake, slipping the puck past Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. This goal trimmed Buffalo’s lead to just one.
Second Period Goals:
Sabres: None
Flames:
- Matt Coronato (5) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: M. Weegar (4), B. Coleman (5)
Second Period Penalties:
- 03:25 – Sabres: Dennis Gilbert Slashing against Rasmus Andersson
- 13:34 – Flames: Nazem Kadri Hooking against Rasmus Dahlin
- 17:44 – Flames: Justin Kirkland Roughing against Dennis Gilbert
- 17:44 – Dennis Gilbert Roughing against Justin Kirkland
Third Period Highlights:
The Sabres appeared to adopt a more conservative approach in the third period, ultimately allowing the Flames to shift the momentum. Calgary pressed hard, firing 12 shots on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, eventually finding the equalizer when Mikael Backlund converted, tying the game. With the Sabres unable to regain their early intensity, the contest headed into overtime, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Third Period Goals:
Sabres: None
Flames:
- Mikael Backlund (3) [Watch Highlight]
Assists: J. Huberdeau (4), M. Weegar (5)
Third Period Penalties: None
Overtime Highlights:
Overtime saw both teams trading high-stakes chances, but with just 1:20 left, the Sabres took a costly too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty, giving Calgary a prime opportunity to end it. Despite the man advantage, the Flames couldn’t convert, and the game moved to a shootout.
In the shootout, Sabres forward JJ Peterka emerged as the hero, netting the only goal to clinch the win for Buffalo. His decisive tally secured a hard-fought victory, capping off a night where the Sabres weathered a late push from the Flames but ultimately came out on top.
| Three Stars of the Game|
- 1. Zach Benson G: 1 | A: 0 | P: 1
- 2. JJ Peterka G: 0 | A: 1 | P: 1
- 3. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen GAA: 1.85 | SV%: .923
| Key Takeaways |
1. Benson Earns First Star Honors in Back-to-Back Games
Zach Benson appears to be back at full strength and playing at an elite level. For the second consecutive game, Benson was awarded the first star, showcasing his impact on both ends of the ice. His dynamic play and offensive contributions have provided a significant boost to the Sabres, affirming his value as a young talent fully recovered and ready to make his mark this season.
2. Sabres Resilience Shines Through in Shootout Victory
The Sabres demonstrated resilience and composure in a hard-fought game that tested their ability to hold a lead and withstand late pressure. After jumping out to an early 2-0 advantage, Buffalo had to weather Calgary’s comeback and a challenging overtime penalty. Their ability to adapt defensively and maintain focus through the shootout, with JJ Peterka ultimately securing the win, highlighted the team’s growth in managing tight, high-stakes situations. Buffalo’s mix of young talent and veteran presence is increasingly translating into poise under pressure—a promising sign for the season ahead.
| Postgame Interviews and Reactions |
Will add when they become available.
|Next Game |
Next Game:
The Sabres will take on the Montreal Canadiens (4-8-2) at Key Bank Center on Monday, November 11th. Faceoff is at 12:30 PM; stay tuned for our pregame coverage to see what’s in store!
| Final Thoughts and Call to Action |
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