BUFFALO, N.Y. — In an exhilarating game, Jack Quinn and Alex Tuch each scored in the shootout, securing a 3-2 victory for the Buffalo Sabres over the playoff-qualified Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night.
Even though the Lightning were defeated, they secured their eighth consecutive playoff spot due to the New York Rangers falling 4-0 to the New Jersey Devils earlier the same day.
Tage Thompson and Jason Zucker found the net for Buffalo, contributing to their record of winning six of their last seven games, including five consecutive wins at home. Goalie James Reimer made 22 saves during regulation and overtime, additionally stopping both shots he faced during the shootout to achieve his best run of six consecutive wins.
On the visitors’ side, Brayden Point and newcomer Gage Goncalves were the goal scorers for the Lightning, while Jonas Johansson managed 36 saves and blocked one of the three shootout attempts.
Firm in the Atlantic Division’s second place, the Lightning inched two points ahead of the third-placed Florida team but remained four points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs, who lead the division.
**Game Insights:**
For the Lightning, the game started on a slow note, as they didn’t register their first shot until 14:12 into the game, ending the first period facing a 9-2 shot disadvantage. As the game concluded, they only managed nine shots in the last 25 minutes.
The Sabres celebrated as Thompson reached his 40th goal, becoming the first Buffalo player to achieve multiple 40-goal seasons since Thomas Vanek’s performance in 2006-07 and 2008-09, joining an exclusive group of nine Buffalo players. Rick Martin holds the record with five 40-goal seasons.
**Pivotal Play:**
Zucker evened the score at 2 with a vital power-play goal just over five minutes into the third period. The goal came after a blocked shot by Rasmus Dahlin, as the puck trickled to Zucker, who swiftly slid it beneath Johansson’s pads.
**Statistical Note:**
The Lightning’s record now stands at 32-8-5 when scoring first and 35-1-2 when leading after two periods, demonstrating their resilience under these conditions.
**Upcoming Games:**
Tampa Bay concludes their four-game travel stretch against the New York Rangers on Monday night. Meanwhile, Buffalo will welcome the Boston Bruins on Sunday night.