The Buffalo Sabres dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night after surrendering a tying goal in the final seconds of regulation and a breakaway winner in the extra period.
Buffalo held a late lead following a power-play goal by Josh Doan with 5:07 remaining in the third period, but Tampa Bay answered with 14.4 seconds left in regulation on a slap shot from Darren Raddysh to force overtime. The Lightning ended the game moments later when Jake Guentzel scored on a breakaway in the closing seconds of the extra frame.
Mattias Samuelsson led the Sabres with two goals, scoring once late in the first period and again early in the third to give Buffalo a 2-1 advantage. Doan added his power-play goal in the third, while Rasmus Dahlin recorded an assist to extend his point streak to six games.
The game featured four lead changes and reflected the strong recent form of both teams, who entered the night with the NHL’s top two point percentages since December 9. Tampa Bay tied the game twice in regulation, including a second-period power-play goal, before its late equalizer.
Goaltender Colten Ellis made 31 saves for Buffalo, which earned a point in the standings and moved back into third place in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres now sit two points behind the Detroit Red Wings for second place with a game in hand.
The Sabres return home for their final game before the Olympic break, hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday at 7 p.m.
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].