Rasmus Ristolainen scores the game-winner on a power play in overtime.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres took advantage of a power play to start overtime as they beat the Edmonton Oileers, 4-3, on Tuesday night at the KeyBank Center.
Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen ripped a shot off the pipe and into the net past Edmonton netminder Cam Talbot for the game-winner in OT. Ryan O’Reilly and Jack Eichel assisted on the goal.
Evander Kane gave Buffalo a 1-0 lead in the first period with a power play goal, with assists going to Jake McCabe and Matt Moulson.
Greece native and team captain Brian Gionta tallied his 6th goal of the season about 3 minutes later for a 2-0 margin. Marcus Foligno and Ristolainen drew assists.
Connor McDavid and his Oilers teammates entered the game with the best road record in the NHL this season, which now stand at 8-4-3.
With the game knotted 2-2 in the third period, Buffalo goalie Andres Nilsson stoned McDavid on a short-handed breakaway.
However, the Oilers converted on a power play midway through the final stanza to forge ahead, 3-2, with McDavid getting an assist on Leon Draisaiti’s tally.
Buffalo coach Dan Bylsma pulled Nilsson in favor of an extra attacker in the final minute. With Sam Reinhart controlling the puck, he sent a pass to O’Reilly, who blast a shot from the right circle off the post. Kane was johnny-on-the-spot and knocked the rebound home for the tying goal with 29 seconds remaining in regulation.
The Oilers were whistled for a penalty in the final seconds that gave the Sabres a 4-on-3 power play to start the 5-minute overtime period.
Nilsson finished the game with 34 saves.