The Buffalo Sabres improved to a 3-2-0 record Saturday night as they topped the Arizona Coyotes in a 3-0 decision. Rookie defenseman Rasmus Dahlin notched his first career NHL goal, while Jeff Skinner tallied his first as a member of the Sabres. Conor Sheary also scored in the win, while Linus Ullmark made 36 saves in his first appearance of the season.
The scoring started just under three minutes in, when Skinner made some nice moves despite being trailed by three Coyotes and nearly put it in the net. With Coyotes goaltender Antti Raanta out of position just enough, the puck was left lying behind him. Dahlin quickly followed up on the play to shovel it into the net for his first career goal.
Here’s one way to start your 1st @NHL road trip. @rasmusdahlin00 scores less than 3 minutes in. pic.twitter.com/kKWbHcZhYX
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 14, 2018
With his game-winning tally, Dahlin became the youngest defenseman in Sabres’ franchise history to score a goal. He’s also the youngest defenseman in 23 years to score an NHL goal and is the third-youngest defenseman in league history to record a game-winner.
Holding onto the one-goal lead, the Sabres found themselves with a man advantage with just over three minutes remaining in the opening period.
However, unlike last game, where Buffalo went 0-for-7 on the power play against Colorado, the Sabres were actually able to take advantage of this one. Conor Sheary scored his third goal of the season on a pass from Sam Reinhart to make it a 2-0 game.
All three of Sheary’s goals this season have come on the power play.
That pass from Reino. pic.twitter.com/LItLcSuPB7
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 14, 2018
After a scoreless second period, Skinner would pot his first as a member of the Sabres with under four minutes remaining in regulation.
Skinner picked up the puck and managed to sneak behind the Coyotes’ D, deked out Raanta and scored a beautiful goal to make it 3-0.
This goal from @jeffskinner 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/vC1mO5K5k9
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 14, 2018
Ullmark recorded 36 saves in his first career NHL shutout and first appearance of the season, as the Sabres finally gave Carter Hutton a break.
Skinner and defenseman Marco Scandella led all skaters with plus-2 ratings. With 24:42 of ice time, Rasmus Ristolainen led all skaters.
The Sabres return to action on Tuesday as they head to Vegas to take on the Golden Knights in the second game of their Western road swing.