Winnipeg scored the games first goal at 4:48 of the first period on an even-strength goal from Nikolaj Ehlers from Patrick Laine and Mark Scheifele. Ryan O’Reilly tied it up for the Sabres with just 24 seconds remaining in the period. Sam Reinhart assisted on the goal.
Winnipeg owned the second period with goals by Drew Stafford at 2:30 and Joel Armia at 7:51. Stafford’s goal — scored on the power play, was assisted by Blake Wheeler. Armia’s goal was assisted by Adam Lowrey and Josh Morrissey.
Marcus Foligno started the Buffalo comeback 5:12 into the third period with an even strength goal assisted by Cody Franson. Zemgus Girgensons tied it for the Sabres just 26 second later, assisted by Matt Moulson. And then at 9:54, Brian Gionta gave the Sabres a 4-3 lead, assisted by Ryan O’Reilly.
The Sabres next play Tuesday when Philadelphia visits the KeyBank Center.
- Buffalo has now won four straight games against Winnipeg/Atlanta for the first time since the Sabres defeated the Thrashers in four straight from Feb. 16, 2004 to Jan. 31, 2006.
- The Sabres have improved to 7-3-2 against the Western Conference this season, including points in each of their last four games (4-0-1) and wins in each of their last four home games against the West.
- Brian Gionta, who has now scored in each of Buffalo’s two games against Winnipeg this season, is now tied for the team lead with eight even-strength goals this season.
- With a goal and an assist, Ryan O’Reilly now has 13 points (4+9) in his last 14 games, including four (1+3) in two games since returning to the lineup following an appendectomy that sidelined him for four games.
- Sam Reinhart recorded the lone assist on O’Reilly’s goal, improving his output to nine points (2+7) in his last nine games.
- Reinhart now has six points (4+2) in four career games against Winnipeg.
- With his goal, Marcus Foligno now has a goal in consecutive games and has a point in each of his last three home games (2+1).
- Zemgus Girgensons’ goal gives him a point in each of his last three games against the Jets (1+2).
- Matt Moulson’s assist on the goal gives him seven points (1+6) in his last seven home games.
- Matt Moulson’s assist on the goal gives him seven points (1+6) in his last seven home games.
from Sabres Digital Press Box via IFTTT
