Avalanche Edge Sabres in Matinee Matchup
Buffalo, NY – The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 in an afternoon game on Monday, with Nathan MacKinnon scoring twice for the Avalanche. The Avalanche improved to 3-0-1 on the season, while the Sabres fell to 0-3-0.
MacKinnon opened the scoring early in the first period, just 3:14 into the game, with a backhand shot that beat Sabres goalie Alex Lyon. Tage Thompson responded for the Sabres, tying the game later in the first period with his first goal of the season.
The Avalanche regained the lead in the second period when Cale Makar scored 4:32 into the frame, assisted by Valeri Nichushkin. MacKinnon then added his second goal of the game about eight and a half minutes later, increasing Colorado's lead to 3-1. MacKinnon celebrated his second goal with a noticeable stick twirl and fist pump. Martin Necas assisted on both of MacKinnon's goals.
The Sabres had a goal by Necas disallowed in the third period after a successful offside challenge. Buffalo struggled on the power play, going 0-for-3, with all opportunities occurring in the first period. An embellishment call against Buffalo's Alex Tuch negated a Sabres power play in the second period.
Scott Wedgewood made 28 saves for the Avalanche in his fourth start of the season. Alex Lyon stopped 34 of 37 shots for the Sabres.
The Sabres were missing key players due to injury, including defenseman Mattias Samuelsson, who is considered day-to-day. Other injured Sabres players include Michael Kesselring, Josh Norris, Jordan Greenway, Zach Benson, and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Sabres' coach Lindy Ruff noted that Josh Norris is expected to miss eight weeks with an oblique injury.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar will look for his team to carry this momentum into their next game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night. The Sabres, under coach Lindy Ruff, will aim to rebound during their three-game homestand, continuing Wednesday night against the Ottawa Senators.
