BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Norris secured the victory for the Buffalo Sabres with the winning goal in a penalty shootout, leading them to a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders on Saturday. This marked the Sabres’ fifth consecutive win.
Rasmus Dahlin contributed with a goal and an assist, while Tage Thompson extended his point streak to six games for Buffalo. Goalie Alex Lyon made 32 saves and also assisted on Dahlin’s goal.
For the Islanders, Mathew Barzal scored a goal and provided an assist, Emil Heineman also scored, and David Rittich made 30 saves. However, the Islanders have now lost three of their last four games without their top scorer, Bo Horvat.
In the penalty shootout, after Norris scored in the fifth round for the Sabres, the Islanders’ Callum Ritchie scored, but Ryan’s crucial save ensured the Sabres’ win. Barzal and Buffalo’s Jack Quinn also scored in the shootout.
Heineman tied the game for the Islanders with a power-play goal just 29 seconds before the end of regulation, during which Rittich was pulled for an extra attacker. Earlier, with 23 seconds left in the second period, Barzal scored off a rebound from his own shot.
Dahlin put Buffalo ahead early in the game with a dazzling power-play goal, skillfully maneuvering through the Islanders’ defense before scoring with a backhand shot past Rittich. Thompson then scored midway through the second period, beating Rittich between the pads to push the lead to 2-0, matching his career-best scoring streak set last month. Thompson leads the Sabres with 18 goals, having scored 12 in the last 18 games.
Following the dismissal of general manager Kevin Adams and the promotion of Jarmo Kekalainen to that role, the Sabres have pushed their longest winning streak of the season, stringing together several home victories.
Next up, the Islanders will host New Jersey on Tuesday night, while the Sabres visit New Jersey on Sunday night.
Fan Take: This thrilling shootout win highlights the Sabres’ growing confidence and momentum, making them an exciting team to watch this season. For hockey fans, it shows how dynamic young talents like Dahlin and Thompson are reshaping the sport’s future competitiveness.
