Buffalo defeated Los Angeles 3-2 in regulation, with Tage Thompson scoring two goals, including the power-play winner that sealed the contest.
The Buffalo Sabres opened scoring with Jack Quinn's power-play goal 6 minutes and 35 seconds into the first period. Tage Thompson then doubled Buffalo's lead 15 minutes and 38 seconds into the second. Los Angeles responded rapidly, with Corey Perry cutting the deficit via a power-play goal 17 minutes and 24 seconds into the second period, before Andre Lee tied the game 1 minute and 29 seconds into the third. Thompson ultimately clinched the win for the Sabres, netting his second goal on the power play 13 minutes and 40 seconds into the final frame.
Tage Thompson was key for Buffalo, earning the first star with two goals, including the game-winner, finishing +1 in 20.1 minutes. Jack Quinn, the second star, added a goal and an assist across 17.5 minutes. Zach Benson and Rasmus Dahlin each recorded two assists for the Sabres. For Los Angeles, Corey Perry's power-play goal secured him the third star in 19.7 minutes, and Andre Lee also found the net, scoring efficiently in just 9.5 minutes of ice time.
momentum.'s model gave the Buffalo Sabres a 48% chance to win, predicting a Los Angeles victory. This forecast proved incorrect as Buffalo secured the regulation win. The Sabres defied these odds, largely due to their effective power play, which accounted for two of their three goals, including Thompson's decisive marker. This efficiency with the man advantage was crucial.
