You couldn’t ask for a better two game European trip for the Buffalo Sabres. After a 4-1 win against Anaheim, the Sabres defeated the Kings 4-2. This was a team that struggled out of the gate last year, as well as in back-to-back games. The Sabres have everybody chipping in rather than just one line.
The first period wasn’t as kind to Buffalo like it was in Friday’s game against Anaheim. The Kings put on more pressure, trapping the Sabres in their own end. Both teams had a few chances, but the goaltenders were perfect in the opening period.
Nathan Gerbe had an opportunity when he snuck behind the Kings’ defense early in the first period after he stopped at the bench to get a new stick. His breakaway chance was denied by Jonathan Bernier, who received the start over Jonathan Quick.
The Sabres’ offense came to life in the second period with three goals and Luke Adam made his presence known with a pair of goals that put Buffalo up, 2-0.
Later on in the second, Nathan Gerbe threw the puck to the net, and Paul Gaustad deflected it past Bernier, giving Buffalo a three goal lead. Gaustad’s goal proved to be the game-winner.
The Kings managed to get on the board during the final minute of the second period with a power play goal from Anze Koptiar.
Buffalo’s Drew Stafford scored the Sabres’ fourth goal. Marc-Andre Gragnani and Andrej Sekera each finished the game with a +3 rating.
Los Angeles has not started the season 2-0 since the 1999-2000 season, and the Sabres made sure that continued with a victory on Saturday.
Ryan Miller improved to 2-0 on the year by stopping 31 of 33 shots. Bernier stopped 22 of 26.
The Sabres won’t play again until Friday when the host Carolina in their home opener at the First Niagara Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 pm EST.