Buffalo, N.Y. – The Buffalo Sabres rallied from down by a goal with less than a minute remaining in regulation to force overtime and eventually secure a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in a shootout Saturday afternoon at KeyBank Center.
SABRES SHOOTOUT WIN
#LetsGoBuffalo | @TopsMarkets pic.twitter.com/OP1lxvl8Rh
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) March 15, 2025
Vegas was able to score the game’s first goal with a rush in the offensive zone. Tanner Pearson carried the puck into the zone toward the net and slid a pass across the crease to Brett Howden. The Golden Knights center was able to get just enough on the pass to re-direct the puck into the net and give the visitors a 1-0 lead with less than eight minutes remaining in the opening period.
The Sabres outshot Vegas 12-7 in the first period. Neither team had a power play chance in the first. Adin Hill was the starting goaltender for the Golden Knights, he was able to stop all 12 Sabres’ shots on goal. Three different Sabres players were credited with two shots on goal in the period, including Jason Zucker.
Howden leveled a big hit on Jiri Kulich midway through the second period that left the young forward down on the ice. Peyton Krebs immediately challenged Howden and was a ssessed an instigator penalty, in addition to a fighting mjaor.
Kulich got destroyed by Howden. Howden vs Krebs ensues #Sabrehood #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/fouo1ybs3r
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) March 15, 2025
Pavel Dorofeyev doubled Vegas’ lead to two goals, 2-0, with a goal later in the second period. The forward converted on a loose puck just outside of the crease after a turnover that was created by the Golden Knights.
However, the Sabres won the face-off immediately after the goal and were able to answer seven seconds later. Ryan McLeod completed the chance that trimmed Buffalo’s deficit to 2-1.
McLeod, 2-1 #Sabrehood #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/dJDmoZMh60
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) March 15, 2025
Jacob Bryson and Bowen Byram were credited with the assists on the Sabres first goal of the game.
McLeod helped create a turnover chance in the offensive zone that resulted in a power play goal by Jason Zucker nearly halfway through the third period.
Jason Zucker capitalizes off a turnover, 2-2 #Sabrehood #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/FNWyteEl5u
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) March 15, 2025
Zucker’s 19th goal of the year tied the game 2-2 with Dorofeyev in the penalty box serving a tripping minor.
Jack Eichel was able to score the against his former team. The forward was able to punch in a loose puck by the side of the net for his 21st goal of the season. It gave Vegas a 3-2 lead with just over two minutes remaining in regulation.
Rasmus Dahlin tied the game with less than 15 seconds remaining in regulation. The Sabres pulled Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in favor of an extra skater, creating a six-on-five opportunity. The goal was Dahlin’s 12th of the year.
Tomas Hertl had an opportunity to seal the game with an ENG. Instead, Rasmus Dahlin ties up the game 3-3 moments later #Sabrehood #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/X2AWzWJEjC
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) March 15, 2025
Neither team was able to score in overtime, despite chances at both ends of the ice. Vegas was credited with two shots on goal, while Buffalo had one.
Game Summary
Goal Summary
First Period
BUF: NONE
VGK: 12:07 – Brett Howden (18) (Tanner Pearson, Ivan Barbashev)
Second Period
BUF: 12:13 – Ryan McLeod (15) (Jacob Bryson, Bowen Byram)
VGK: 12:06 – Pavel Dorofeyev (27) (Tomas Hertl)
Third Period
BUF: 9:53 – Jason Zucker (19) PPG (unassisted)
VGK: 17:27 – Jack Eichel (21) (Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo)
Overtime
BUF: NONE
VGK: NONE
Shootout
BUF: Tage Thompson – no goal
VGK: Victor Olofsson – GOAL
BUF: Jack Quinn – GOAL
VGK: Jack Eichel – no goal
BUF: Alex Tuch – GOAL
VGK: Pavel Dorofeyev – no goal
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Three Stars of the Game1. Rasmus Dahlin2. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen
3. Ryan McLeod
What’s Next
The Sabres will begin a four-game road trip on Monday in Boston. Buffalo and the Bruins drop the puck at 7:00 p.m. on the flagship home of the Sabres Radio Network – WGR Sports Radio 550. Pregame coverage with Mike Schopp and the Bulldog begins at 6:00 p.m.
