Evan Rodrigues scores twice early as Jack Eichel extends his point streak to 7 games.
By Dave Hogg / NHL.com Independent Correspondent
DETROIT, MI. — Evan Rodrigues scored his first two goals of the season for the Buffalo Sabres in a 5-1 win against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.
Curtis Lazar had two assists, and Linus Ullmark made 21 saves for the Sabres (20-19-7), who had lost two straight and six of their previous eight.
Jimmy Howard made 22 saves for the Red Wings (12-31-3), who had won three straight at home.
Rodrigues gave Buffalo a 1-0 lead at 2:39 of the first with a one-timer off a pass from Lazar, who collected the loose puck after knocking over Red Wings defenseman Filip Hronek.
Rodrigues scored his second at 5:00, getting the rebound of his own shot at the left post on the power play before Zemgus Girgensons extended the lead to 3-0 on a shorthanded breakaway at 12:43.
Madison Bowey cut it to 3-1 at 11:56 of the second period on a shot from the top of the right circle through a screen.
Zach Bogosian scored his first of the season to make it 4-1 at 2:35 of the third period, skating down the right wall and cutting to the low slot before beating Howard with a backhand.
Rasmus Ristolainen pushed the lead to 5-1 at 3:40 with a rebound in front on the power play. Jack Eichel had the primary assist on the play to extend his point streak to seven games (three goals, five assists).
*NOTES — Forward Mitchell Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs was named the Last Man In, as voted by the fans, for the Atlantic Division for the upcoming NHL All-Star game. Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was Buffalo’s representative in the voting…The Sabres return home Tuesday at 7 pm to face the Vegas Golden Knights.