For the first time since December, the Buffalo Sabres were facing some serious questions in the midst of a three-game losing streak. They didn't have much time to answer those questions as they were back on the ice Saturday in the back half of a back-to-back with a game against the Seattle Kraken.
This game started much like the previous games during the losing streak, as the Sabres couldn't get much going early and were down 2-0 in the second period. Fortunately, they were able to tie it up and finally get back into the win column with a 3-2 shootout win after Tage Thompson and Jack Quinn scored in the shootout and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped both of the Kraken's attempts.
The win now moves the Sabres' season point total to 98 points and back ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who also won on Saturday. They will have a few days off before they finish this four-game homestand on Tuesday against the New York Islanders.
These are some of the top takeaways from the game on Saturday.
Buffalo Sabres surprisingly make minimal line changes against Seattle until midway through the game
After the game the Sabres had against the Red Wings, it would have made sense for Lindy Ruff to make some changes to his lines. However, the Sabres' coaching staff pretty much sent out the same lineup for this game against the Kraken, with the only change being Tyson Kozak in for Tanner Pearson, while Noah Ostlund is still out due to injury.
The results were mostly the same to begin the game as the Sabres really struggled to get much going and were unable to score in the opening period. Eventually, the coaching staff did make some changes with the team struggling and moved Josh Doan up to the top line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch while Peyton Krebs dropped to the third line with Zach Benson and Josh Norris.
The line changes worked out as Krebs would score the tying goal in the third period, and with a few days off until their next game, the coaching staff will need to determine if this should be a permanent change.
Buffalo Sabres still taking too many unnecessary penalties early
One of the issues during this recent losing streak has been the Sabres not only taking too many penalties but taking them early in the game. For the third time in their last four games, the Sabres would be called for two penalties in the first period.
Fortunately for Buffalo, they were able to kill both of those penalties (something they have struggled with as of late) but taking these penalties early kills any momentum they have in the game. They started the game well, and before their first penalty, the shots on goal were 8 to 3 in favor of Buffalo.
However, the momentum swung to Seattle, and shots on goal were 11-10 in favor of the Kraken by the end of the first period, with Seattle holding a 1-0 lead.
Rasmus Dahlin with his 100th career goal when the Sabres needed it most
For the third time in four games, the Buffalo Sabres found themselves down multiple goals. In the second period, they unfortunately dealt with a rough stretch where Sam Carrick thought he had scored a goal and tied the game at one; even the arena sounded the horn, but it hit both posts and bounced out.
The Kraken responded on the next shift with a goal as Bobby McCann beat Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to make it 2-0 in the game.
The Sabres desperately needed a goal to get back into this game, and about two minutes after McCann's goal, they would get it on the power play by Rasmus Dahlin. It was his second straight game with a goal and four in the past six games, but also his 100th career goal.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen with a big performance that kept the Buffalo Sabres in this game
The Buffalo Sabres once again didn't get off to a great start and were playing catch-up for most of the game. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen played a big part in getting this game to overtime because he made big saves that kept this game within reach.
He finished the game stopping 32 of 34 shots, including five power play shots. He was also excellent in the shootout as he stopped both of the attempts he faced to get the Sabres the win.
It was a good bounce-back game for Luukkonen, who was coming off a lackluster start against the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night.