The Buffalo Sabres found their groove, snapping a six-game losing streak with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Leading the charge was top star, who netted two crucial goals to bring his season total to a team-high 33. Alex Tuch also chipped in with a goal, while goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stood tall with 32 saves to secure the much-needed win.
For the Oilers, Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse provided the offense, each finding the back of the net. Leon Draisaitl continued his red-hot form, contributing two assists to extend his impressive point streak to 15 games, during which he has racked up 11 goals and 12 assists. Despite their offensive efforts, Edmonton has now lost seven of their last ten games. Goaltender Stuart Skinner managed 19 saves but couldn’t keep Buffalo at bay.
One of the game’s defining moments came late in the third period when Luukkonen made a spectacular glove save on Draisaitl during an Oilers power play. That key stop helped the Sabres preserve their lead and close out the game against one of the Western Conference’s top teams. Meanwhile, Thompson’s dominance remains a major storyline, with 16 points in his last 13 outings, including 11 goals and five multi-goal performances this season.
Looking ahead, the Sabres will aim to build on this momentum as they head to Detroit for a showdown with the Red Wings on Wednesday. The Oilers, still in the hunt for positioning in the Pacific Division, will travel to New Jersey on Thursday, hoping to get back on track against the Devils. With Thompson firing on all cylinders and Luukkonen delivering in net, Buffalo may have just reignited their playoff aspirations.