Buffalo Sabres beat Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on road trip

Sabres Close California Trip With 3-2 Win Against Kings on Halloween

Visiting Los Angeles on October 31, the Buffalo Sabres wrapped up a three-game West Coast swing by defeating the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 inside Crypto.com Arena, securing seven of a possible eight points away from home, according to Audacy reporting from WGR 550. Tage Thompson recorded two goals, including the game-winner, while Jack Quinn contributed a goal and an assist to fuel the offensive display.

The blue and gold capitalized early. Just 6:35 into the first period, Quinn cut to the slot and beat goaltender Anton Forsberg on a power play for his eighth goal of the season, with assists from Zach Benson and Rasmus Dahlin. That conversion continued an upward trend for a man-advantage unit that struggled earlier in the year. Over three games in California, Buffalo converted three of seven power-play opportunities for a 42.9% success rate.

Thompson Scores Second Period Goal Before Perry Answers for Kings

Buffalo extended the lead to 2-0 with 4:22 remaining in the middle frame. Benson carried the puck into the Kings’ zone and found Thompson on the right wing, where the forward deposited his ninth goal of the year.

Los Angeles responded late in the second period during a power play of its own. Veteran forward Corey Perry redirected a shot behind goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen with his skate at 17:24. Officials initially waved off the play for goaltender interference after Perry bumped Luukkonen near the left post. Following a challenge by Kings head coach Peter Laviolette, the call was overturned upon review, cutting Buffalo’s lead to 2-1 before the intermission.

The home side carried that momentum into the third period. Early in the frame, just as a cross-checking minor to Dahlin expired, Kings forward Andre Lee was left uncovered in front of the net and scored his first goal of the season at 1:29, tying the game 2-2.

Thompson and Quinn Deliver the Decisive Goal

The tie lasted until the game's turning point midway through the third. Quinn delivered a slick, east-to-west feed to Thompson on a power play, setting up Thompson’s second goal of the night and tenth of the season at 13:40. Dahlin picked up the secondary assist on the play.

The blue and gold come home to host the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, November 4. Puck drop at Keybank Center is set for 7:30 p.m. ET with Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray on the call on the radio home of the Sabres – WGR.

Luukkonen finished the contest with 27 saves on 29 shots, withstanding a late push from Los Angeles in the final minutes to preserve the road victory. Bluestar Home Services named Thompson the game’s first star, Quinn the second star, and Perry the third star.

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