Final Score Recap – Buffalo Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild – November 27, 2024
Score Summary:
- Minnesota Wild: 1
- Buffalo Sabres: 0
Key Game Statistics
Shots on Goal:
- Minnesota Wild: 29
- Buffalo Sabres: 39
Power Play Performance:
- Minnesota Wild Power Play Goals: 0 out of 0 opportunities
- Buffalo Sabres Power Play Goals: 0 out of 2 opportunities
Wild Edge Sabres 1-0 Behind Gustavsson’s 39-Save Shutout
In a tightly contested game, the Buffalo Sabres fell 1-0 to the Minnesota Wild, despite outshooting their opponent 39-29. The game’s only goal came early in the first period when Kirill Kaprizov finished off a rare 4-on-1 rush, beating Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for his 14th goal of the season. The Sabres dictated play for much of the opening period, outshooting Minnesota 16-4 and creating sustained offensive pressure, but couldn’t capitalize on their chances, including two power plays.
The second and third periods followed a similar script, with both teams battling hard defensively. Buffalo was slightly outshot 11-9 in the second frame and matched the Wild with 14 shots in the third, but neither team managed to find the back of the net again. There were no penalties in the final two periods, resulting in a fast-paced but scoreless back-and-forth. The Sabres made a final push in the closing minutes, pulling the goalie with two minutes left and generating a flurry of chances, but Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson stood tall.
Gustavsson’s stellar performance was the story of the night. He stopped all 39 shots he faced, earning his second shutout of the season and frustrating the Sabres’ high-pressure attack. At the other end, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was nearly as sharp, making 28 saves and keeping Buffalo within striking distance. Despite the Sabres’ strong effort and dominance in shot volume, they left the ice empty-handed, highlighting the razor-thin margins in a goaltender’s duel.
Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild: Period-by-Period Breakdown:
Sabres Dominate Shot Count but Trail After First: Kaprizov Strikes on Rare Wild Break
Buffalo controlled the opening period with relentless pressure, outshooting Minnesota 16-4. However, a rare 4-on-1 rush led to Kirill Kaprizov’s 14th of the season, giving the Wild a 1-0 lead. Despite two powerplay opportunities and quality chances, the Sabres couldn’t find the back of the net.
Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild: First-Period Goals and Penalties
Wild Goals:
- Kirill Kaprizov (14)
Assists: M. Boldy (12), J. Eriksson Ek (5)
Sabres Goals: None
First Period Penalties:
- 19:19 – Wild: Jon Merrill Hooking against Jason Zucker
- 19:19 – Wild: Yakov Trenin High-sticking against Jason Zucker
Stalemate in the Second: Sabres and Wild Stay Scoreless
The second period featured a tightly contested battle as neither the Sabres nor the Wild could capitalize on their chances. Buffalo was outshot 11-9 but held their own defensively, keeping Minnesota from adding to their lead. With no penalties in the frame, the game flowed at an even pace, setting the stage for a decisive final period.
Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild: Second-Period Goals and Penalties
Wild Goals: None
Sabres Goals: None
Second Period Penalties: None
Sabres Shut Down in Hard-Fought Finish: Gustavsson Seals the Win
The third period mirrored the second, with both teams trading chances and tying in shots at 14 apiece. Buffalo made a valiant push in the closing minutes, pulling the goalie and generating multiple scoring opportunities. However, Wild netminder Filip Gustavsson was unbeatable, stopping all 39 shots he faced to secure his second shutout of the season. Despite outshooting Minnesota 39-29, the Sabres couldn’t break through, falling 1-0 in a tightly contested matchup.
Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild: Third-Period Goals and Penalties
Wild Goal: None
Sabres Goals: None
Third Period Penalties: None
Three Stars of the Game
1. Filip Gustavsson – 39 Save Shutout
Filip Gustavsson was the undeniable star of the night, putting on a goaltending clinic to earn his second shutout of the season. Facing relentless pressure from the Sabres, Gustavsson stopped all 39 shots, including several high-danger opportunities during Buffalo’s late push with the net empty. His calm, composed presence in the crease was the backbone of Minnesota’s victory, frustrating the Sabres’ offensive efforts throughout the game.
2. Kirill Kaprizov – G: 1 | A: 0 | P: 1
Kaprizov delivered when it mattered most, scoring the game’s lone goal in the first period. Capitalizing on a rare 4-on-1 break, Kaprizov showcased his elite finishing ability with a perfectly placed shot to beat Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The goal marked his 14th of the season and proved to be the game-winner, highlighting his knack for clutch performances in tight contests.
3. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen – GAA: 1.04 | SV%: .966
Despite the loss, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was outstanding between the pipes for Buffalo, giving his team every chance to stay in the game. He made 28 saves on 29 shots, including several crucial stops to keep the deficit at just one. Luukkonen’s calm and steady play under pressure was a bright spot for the Sabres, as he delivered one of his strongest performances of the season.
Condensed Game Highlights
Next Game: Sabres vs. Vancouver Canucks
The Buffalo Sabres will look to bounce back on Friday, November 29th, with a 3 PM matinee matchup against the Vancouver Canucks at KeyBank Center. The Canucks have been impressive on the road this season, boasting an 8-2 record away from home. With an overall record of 11-7-3, Vancouver sits fourth in the highly competitive Pacific Division. The Sabres will need to be at their best to counter the Canucks’ balanced attack and solid defensive play as they aim to capitalize on the home-ice advantage and breakthrough against a strong opponent.
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