BUFFALO, N.Y. — Michael Kesselring contributed to Utah’s impressive 5-2 victory over the struggling Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, notching a goal and an assist. Alongside him, teammates Nick Schmaltz, Jack McBain, and Kevin Stenlund also found the back of the net, while goaltender Karel Vejmelka made 23 saves to secure the win.
In the second period, Kesselring and Mikhail Sergachev struck just 24 seconds apart, propelling Utah to a 2-1 lead. Kesselring’s score marked his fourth of the season, with Sergachev netting his seventh. On the other side, rookie Tyson Kozak scored his inaugural NHL goal, while Jiri Kulich added another for the Sabres, who are now winless in their last six matchups (0-4-2). Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo’s goaltender, managed 23 saves during the game.
The Sabres have now embarked on their longest winless streak since November 2022, when they suffered eight consecutive defeats. Amid their struggles, fans expressed their frustrations, chanting for general manager Kevyn Adams’ dismissal just a day after he discussed how factors like the absence of palm trees and the higher tax rates in New York made recruitment challenging for the team, only to witness further goals slip through in the third period.
For Utah, this match marked a significant milestone; it was the first time this season they emerged victorious when trailing after the first period (1-4-0). Furthermore, it was an unusual occurrence for Vejmelka, as he allowed a goal in the first period on the road for the first time in eight games.
One of the pivotal moments came in the second period when Sergachev capitalized on an opportunity. Buffalo’s defenseman, Dennis Gilbert, inadvertently knocked Utah’s Michael Carcone into Luukkonen, creating an open net for Sergachev to shoot into.
Statistically, Utah’s rapid two goals within 24 seconds in the second period represented the third instance this season where they scored twice in under 25 seconds. Earlier feats occurred against Chicago on October 8 and Carolina on November 13.
Looking ahead, the Sabres will continue their five-game homestand on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings, while Utah is scheduled to face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday.
