Pageau’s power play goal leads Islanders past Sabres

After ending their four-game losing streak with a win on Saturday at New Jersey, the Buffalo Sabres traveled to Long Island to face the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum. In their first of six rescheduled games due to COVID-19 protocols, the Sabres looked to erase their previous matchups against the Islanders out of the break that saw sluggish play and an inability to score from the team in losing efforts. Although the Sabres played their best game against the Islanders thus far, it wasn’t enough as they fell 3-2 on the road and remain winless against New York.

Prior to last night’s game, Jeff Skinner was named a healthy scratch for the first time in his 11-year career, and Jake McCabe was lost for the season due to ACL, MCL, and meniscus injuries in his right knee.

The Sabres started the game strong, earning 12 shots on goal in the first and scoring the opening goal for the second straight game, courtesy of a Henri Jokiharju shot deflected by Curtis Lazar for his fourth of the year. The period did not end without bad news, as Tobias Rieder left the game after taking a hit late in the opening period and did not return to the ice.

Despite not having McCabe and Will Borgen, the defense of the Sabers played well early as they held the Islanders to three shots on goal in the first period. Although they continued to keep the pressure on their opponent, Anders Lee tied the game for New York midway through the second. However, as they only allowed 23 shots on goal, three goals were allowed as the Islanders eventually answered the Sabres’ play on defense.

After the Islanders took an early third-period lead, Sam Reinhart continued the team’s success on the power play, as he tied the game 5:48 into the third on a “lacrosse goal.” With his goal last night, Reinhart scored in back-to-back games after tallying two in Saturday’s win and shares the team lead in goals with six alongside Victor Olofsson. However, J.G. Pageau scored the game-winner on the power play with under five minutes remaining. This his third goal scored against the Sabres this year.

Although the Sabres’ power play finished 1-for-3, their penalty kill struggled, finishing 50% (1-for-2) and allowed Pageau’s game-winner. Linus Ullmark played solid in net, despite making only 20 saves on 23 shots. Semyon Varlamov continued his stellar play, making 34 saves and only allowing Buffalo to score two goals.

However, the Sabres will not have long to dwell on this loss as they continue to stay in New Jersey, looking for a second straight win against the Devils. Puck drop is set for 7 pm tonight.