Sabres snap streak with win vs. Oilers

The Sabres finally put an end to their seven-game losing streak, defeating Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers by a 3-1 score on Friday night at the KeyBank Center.

Robin Lehner was strong in goal, nearly recording his second shutout of the season, but Ryan Strome ended that bid with 20 seconds remaining in the third period.

Still, Lehner stopped 29 of 30 shots to guide Buffalo to its first win since November 4th, when they defeated the Washington Capitals by a 4-1 score.

The Sabres kept McDavid quiet in this one, holding him to three shots during 22:13 of ice time, with a -2 rating.

Jack Eichel scored the eventual game-winning goal as he wristed a shot past Laurent Brossoit, the Oilers backup goaltender. Brossoit allowed two goals on 30 shots as he fell to 0-3-1 on the year.

“The way we played and the 60-minute effort put us in a good position to win. We were able to get two points and move on to the next game.” – Eichel

Rasmus Ristolainen made his return to the lineup after missing nine games, and made an immediate impact, recording two assists and five shots 27:30 time on ice.

“I could play another one right away,” Ristolainen said. “I feel great, I kept my legs in shape, I feel really good.” 

Eichel agreed that having Ristolainen back was a huge benefit.

“Risto is a special player and he’s the backbone for us. He’s not only hard to play against, but he makes a lot of plays for us. He does a really good job at it and it’s great to have him back.” – Eichel

Jacob Josefson found the back of the net for his first goal as a member of the Sabres. His previous came with the New Jersey Devils on February 4. He nearly scored another on the empty net as time dwindled down, but his shot was blocked. 

“It’s a good feeling. We had a great team effort and we played a solid game.” – Josefson

Kyle Okposo, who had a strong all-around game, sealed the deal as he shot the puck down the ice and into a gaping net. 

This was one of Buffalo’s stronger games of the season, but far too often when they play like this, they seem to struggle to build off it.

“We should carry this momentum and confidence into tomorrow. It’s a divisional opponent that’s beaten us twice in overtime. I’m looking forward to it.” – Eichel

The Sabres are right back at it on Saturday night when they take on the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. That game is schedule for a 7 p.m. puck drop.