Zucker scores game-winner on power play
Score: Buffalo Sabres 4 | St. Louis Blues 2
Shots: BUF 16 | STL 37
Buffalo Sabres Goals: Peyton Krebs (4), Tage Thompson (18), Jason Zucker (10), Jiri Kulich (7)
St. Louis Blues Goals: Brayden Schenn (6), Nathan Walker (4)
Plus 1: Another Big First Period
Although things did get off to a slow start, Buffalo made it count. The Sabres didn’t register their first shto on goal until 6:52, when Peyton Krebs opened the scoring. While it’s obviously not ideal to go that long without a shot on goal, and to only have six in the first period to St. Louis’ 15, the shots they did take made an impact. The Sabres later took a 2-0 lead with their first power play goal of the afternoon, Tage Thompson’s 18th tally of the season.
Minus 1: Dropped the Lead
As good as it felt for the Sabres to have a 2-0 lead, they dropped the ball. Brayden Schenn got on the board late in the first period, but Buffalo managed to hold off St. Louis… for a while, at least. They were outshot 26-12 in the first 40 minutes, but it wasn’t until the third that Nathan Walker finally found the equalizer.
Plus 2: Got the Power (Play Goal)
Not one, but two power play goals in this one! Jason Zucker scored what would be the game-weinning goal with just 9:30 left in regulation. Half of Zucker’s goals (5/10) this season have come on the man advantage. Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin & JJ Peterka each have three PPGs. Overall, Zucker has been a nice addition to this team and now has 25 points (10-15) in 37 games.
Plus 3: Kulich, Quinn Showcasing Skills
Jiri Kulich has had a real nice showing as of late. His goal on Sunday was probably one of the best of his career, but it wasn’t too dissimilar from one of the goals he had last Monday against the Islanders. Kulich now has five points in his last five games and four in his last three games. He’s now up to nine (7-2-9) in 27 games this season.
And let’s not forget Jack Quinn, who seems like he might be finding the right side of the game again. The 23-year-old is now on a three-game point streak, with six points (2-4) in that stretch. He now has eight points in his last six games and is up to 13 (5-8-13) in 30 games on the season. He’s certainly dealt with his fair share of injuries in his young career, but the potential is there and maybe he’s starting to come around.
Final Thoughts
Being doubly outshot, but still managing to get the win? Hey, it doesn’t have to be pretty – I’ll take it. The last three games have proven to be a nice little stretch for the Sabres. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was a key component in Sunday’s win. Great to see some of the secondary scoring getting involved. Now, let’s close out the 2024 calendar year with another win: next up are the Dallas Stars on New Year’s Eve.