LAS VEGAS – In a stunning third-period rally, the Buffalo Sabres overturned a deficit to clinch a 5-2 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Friday. This impressive win saw the Sabres score four consecutive goals in the final period, breaking Vegas’ four-game winning streak and nine-game point streak.
Casey Mittelstadt emerged as a key player for Buffalo, scoring twice and adding an assist. Dylan Cozens contributed a goal and two assists, while goalie Devon Levi’s 33 saves were instrumental in securing the win for Buffalo, now 13-15-3. The Sabres’ coach, Don Granato, praised the team’s energy and resilience, especially in responding to falling behind in the third period.
The Golden Knights, despite starting strong, couldn’t sustain their momentum. Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev scored for Vegas, with Eichel extending his point streak to nine games. However, Logan Thompson’s 22 saves weren’t enough to fend off Buffalo’s late surge.
Vegas had seized the lead early in the third period with Eichel capitalizing on a rebound from Paul Cotter’s shot. But Buffalo’s response was swift and decisive. Mittelstadt equalized with a short-side goal, followed by Zach Benson putting Buffalo ahead with a skillful lift over Thompson.
Alex Tuch further extended Buffalo’s lead following a Barbashev giveaway, which led to a 2-on-1 rush and Tuch’s successful strike. Granato commended Benson’s maturity and Tuch’s impact on the team’s performance.
Mittelstadt sealed the win with an empty-net goal, cementing the 5-2 final score and a remarkable comeback for the Sabres.
Buffalo’s first goal came in the second period, with Cozens intercepting a turnover and executing a give-and-go with Mittelstadt. Barbashev’s equalizer for Vegas on the power play set the stage for the third-period drama.
Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, particularly in the latter stages of the game. “We let another lead get away from us without getting points tonight,” Cassidy lamented, pointing to the team’s inability to maintain their advantage.
Cozens reflected on the significance of the victory against the defending Stanley Cup champions, emphasizing the team’s solid all-around play and capitalization on their opportunities.
In contrast, Cassidy acknowledged the need for Vegas to learn from their mistakes. “We played losing hockey, and what do we do? We lost,” he said, underscoring the team’s responsibility in the defeat while also crediting Buffalo for capitalizing on their errors.
The Sabres’ victory, marked by a remarkable third-period turnaround, demonstrates their potential to challenge even the strongest of opponents. For Vegas, the game serves as a reminder of the need for consistency and the ability to close out games with a lead.
