Buffalo Sabres rally in third to edge Edmonton Oilers 4-3 -NHL Update
Edmonton tried hard to stay in the game till the final minutes of regulation but Buffalo’s two straight goals in the third gave them that extra edge to allow Sabres takedown Oilers by 4-3, on Tuesday night, January 3, 2012, at the sold-out First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York, United States.
Oilers started the match without their top 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft pick, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who left the game on Monday against Chicago Blackhawks due to a shoulder injury, and is not expected back anytime soon, but announcements regarding the matter are yet to be made.
Taylor Hall kicked off the scoring midway through the first with his 12th goal of the regular season, which gave Edmonton a strong lead to work with, but Jason Pominville’s equaliser at the 14:23 mark set the record straight for both teams, entering the second period.
"We gave Buffalo everything they could handle. It was a winnable game for us", Oilers’ head coach, Tom Renney, said. "We were very passionate, and we really tried to play within our structure. We didn't quit, and that's as important as anything".
Jordan Leopold came out in the second to break the tie and take the lead for Buffalo at the 5:10 mark, while Buffalo failed to capitalise on a power play opportunity 24 seconds later, but Sam Gagner potted the levelling shot, nearly midway through to take advantage of the added man, with Patrick Kaleta out for charging.
Drew Stafford made the go ahead goal for Buffalo with less than six minutes remaining in the final period of regulation.
"We've talked about it enough. Bottom line is guys knew we just needed to go out there and get it done", Stafford said. "It feels good to get those two points. Now, hopefully we can string a few together".
Nathan Gerbe made the game-winner nearly two minutes later with his fourth of the season, while Edmonton’s Corey Potter tried to keep Edmonton alive with another at the 18:10 mark, but failed to add any more in the remaining time.
Buffalo will be facing Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, while Edmonton has the next against St. Louis Blues on Thursday.
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