On what was a rescheduled game, the Sabres and Senators played a wild, back and forth match all the way until the end. Brian Flynn tied the game late in the third period and Matt Moulson netted the game-winner in the shootout, helping Buffalo edge Ottawa, 5-4, on Monday night at the First Niagara Center.
The game went in a couple different directions throughout the night, but the Sabres battled back and finished off a successful homestand, going a perfect 4-0.
Kyle Turris had a chance to keep the shootout going, but he hit the post instead, ending the game.
“It was a great effort fighting back, we kept battling back, that’s the difference from where we are now from start of the season,” Matt Moulson said.
Three straight goals by the Senators had them back in front, but with under four minutes remaining, Flynn netted the game-tying goal to send it to overtime. Buffalo had three consecutive goals themselves earlier in the game after falling behind 1-0.
With the win, Jhonas Enroth improves to 4-0 in shootouts this season, allowing just one goal on 18 shots.
The Sabres scored twice in a span of 32 seconds. Matt Moulson knocked in the rebound to put Buffalo on top and Marcus Foligno added another for his third goal in the past three games.
Tyler Ennis appeared to have scored after he knocked one out of mid air and into the net. However, the play was reviewed and ruled “no goal” as his stick was higher than the crossbar at the point of contact.
Bobby Ryan started the scoring as he beat Enroth and Curtis Lazar recorded his first career NHL goal later in the game.
With the victory, the Sabres move into 23rd place in the league and are four points out of a playoff spot. It’s very early, but the team has made big improvements from the opening month and a half of the season.
Torrey Mitchell left the game after the first period with an injury and did not return. The Sabres have recalled Mikhail Grigorenko, who will be available for Tuesday’s game against Winnipeg. That game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and can be seen on MSG.