Buffalo dominates the Oilers, 6-2, as Brian Gionta scores 2 goals for the Sabres.
Greece native and Buffalo Sabres captain Brian Gionta scored his first two goals of the season in helping the Sabres win their first game of the 2016-17 campaign with a 6-2 verdict on Sunday night over the Oilers in Edmonton.
The loss was the Oilers first in their new arena, and only Buffalo’s 10th all-time victory in Edmonton.
“I thought I was going to miss the old place,” Gionta, 37, said with a smile on the telecast afterwards.
New acuisition Kyle Okposo and Ryan O’Reilly also each scored their first goal of the season in the first period. However, the Oilers responded with the next two goals to knot the score.
O’Reilly’s second goal in the second period proved to be the game-winner. He also added 2 assists for a 4-point night.
Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen contributed 3 assists. Matt Moulson accounted for the other goal, which was his first of the season as well.
Goalie Robin Lehner registered 31 saves in earning the victory.
Buffalo continues its 2-week road trip to Western Canada on Tuesday at Calgary.