5 takeaways from the Buffalo Sabres shootout win over the New York Islanders

The Buffalo Sabres entered this game against the New York Islanders playing some of their best hockey after winning four straight. They were hoping to secure their fifth straight win but also their second win with Jarmo Kekalainen as their general manager. This would be a great test against a New York Islanders team that has been a surprise team this season.

The Sabres were able to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the second but the Islanders scored goals in the second and third period to send it to overtime. After a scoreless overtime, it would go five rounds in a shootout before Josh Norris scored the deciding goal.

These are some of the takeaways from the Buffalo Sabres big win over the Islanders on Saturday night.

Tage Thompson secures another six-game goal streak

While there may be some questions about his game, his ability to put the puck in net is not something that is questioned. On Saturday against the Islanders, Thompson added a beautiful goal in the second period to give the Sabres a 2-0 lead.

This is now the sixth straight game that Thompson has scored a goal for Buffalo, and it is the second time this season that Thompson has had a goal streak of at least six games. According to the Buffalo Sabres PR, Thompson and Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews are the only players since the 2021-22 season to record at least two six-game goal streaks in the same season.

It should be no surprise that the Buffalo Sabres have had one of their more successful runs this season as a team at a time that Tage Thompson is making plays in the offensive zone. They need him to continue to deliver elite performances in this end of the ice if they want to continue to be successful.

Sabres have the power play working early against the islanders

The Buffalo Sabres were able to get an early lead off an incredible individual effort by Rasmus Dahlin on the team's first power play of the game. That power play came in the first two minutes of the first period and Dahlin took a pass from Alex Lyon and was able to weave his way through the Islanders to beat David Rittich for the first goal of the game.

Later in the first period, the Sabres would actually score again on a power play with Josh Norris beating the Islanders' goalie. Unfortunately, that goal would be waved off on a questionable goalie interference call on Zach Benson.

In the month of December, the Sabres' power play has been very productive as they have 10 power play goals on 36 power play opportunities. The return of Josh Norris has been a big reason for that who has six power play points since returning from injury.

Alex Lyon delivers another big performance that will make it tough for the Sabres justifying trading him

The NHL roster freeze took effect on Saturday and no trades are able to take place until December 28th. For the Buffalo Sabres, it is no secret that they want to trim the number of goalies they have on their roster down and will be looking to trade (or waive) one of them.

Recently, Elliotte Friedman speculated that Alex Lyon might be the goalie they move but he has now been the starting goalie for each of their wins during this win streak. The performance against the Islanders was one of his best during this stretch as he allowed only two goals on 34 shots.

Lyon was a big reason for the Sabres to come away with two points with him making huge saves in overtime while also stopping four of five shootout shots.

He probably won't get the start against the Devils on Sunday but should have two more chances before the roster freeze is lifted to show he should remain the starter.

Buffalo Sabres struggle to close out periods once again

The New York Islanders only had two goals in regulation but both goals came in the final minute of the periods. In the second period, it was Mathew Barzal who was able to beat Lyon to start the scoring for the Islanders.

Then in the third period, Emil Heineman was able to tie it up with less than 30 seconds left in the period. It is hard to blame Lyon on that one as the Sabres were trying to kill off a penalty by Michael Kesselring and the Islanders had already pulled David Rittich to give them a 6-on-4 advantage.

These late penalties have been an issue for the Sabres as they had a delay of game penalty by Mattias Samuelsson late in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers. That penalty didn't cost them but the one against the Islanders gave them an extra point, which isn't great when considering Buffalo is chasing them in the standings.

Buffalo Sabres prove they can compete with playoff teams (and have another chance tomorrow night)

The Buffalo Sabres have now won five straight games and face another big test against the New Jersey Devils on the road in the back half of a back-to-back. Earlier this week, Jarmo Kekalainen said that he believes this team is a playoff team this season, and the Sabres showed that on Saturday against the Islanders.

Entering this game, the Islanders were tied for the fourth-most points in the Eastern Conference with 41 and were tied with the Devils. If the Sabres can find a way to win that game on the road, it only confirms the new general manager's belief that this roster is talented enough to make the playoffs.

There is a lot of work they need to do after the sluggish start to the season but the optimism should be growing around this team.