Dylan Cozens Leads Buffalo Sabres to Victory with Two Short-Handed Goals – Sky Bulletin
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The Buffalo Sabres, fueled by their current momentum, are now eyeing the possibility of playoff contention, as voiced by Jeff Skinner. Skinner, who netted his 20th goal of the season and contributed two assists, was an integral part of the Sabres’ dominating 7-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night. This win represents their fifth in six games.
Skinner remains optimistic about their chances, saying, “No, I’m not worried,” and emphasizing the importance of looking ahead rather than dwelling on the past.
The spotlight shone brightly on Dylan Cozens as he scored two short-handed goals, including one that solidified Buffalo’s five-goal explosion late in the game. Zemgus Girgensons also played a key role, netting the go-ahead goal and igniting the Sabres’ comeback after an initial squandered lead.
Contributions came from various players with Casey Mittelstadt and defenseman Owen Power each securing a goal and two assists, while Kyle Okposo added his own goal to the tally. In goal, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen turned away 22 shots, boosting his record to an impressive 7-2 over his last nine starts.
With this latest triumph, the Sabres have won back-to-back home games for only the second time this season and now boast a 29-28-4 overall record. Despite their progress, they face an uphill battle sitting 10 points away from playoff contention and the potential extension of their playoff drought to a 13th consecutive season.
The Golden Knights’ struggles continue as they deal with crucial injuries and a 2-6-1 record in their last nine games. Vegas is currently missing key players such as Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and William Carrier, with Eichel expected to rejoin the roster in the next couple of games post-knee surgery.
Bruce Cassidy, Vegas’ coach, still sees injuries as a concern but underscores that the team’s scoring capabilities haven’t been the issue. Instead, he sees a need for improved play from the defensive corps.
Vegas saw goals from Brendan Brisson and William Karlsson, but ultimately the efforts of Sabres players like Eric Robinson, who set up Girgensons’ pivotal goal, proved overpowering.
Cozens reflected on the team’s resilience in bouncing back after Vegas tied the game, cementing his place in Sabres history as the seventh player to score two short-handed goals in a single game, an achievement last seen from Brandon Montour in 2021.
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE
The Golden Knights are set to face Columbus on Monday night, concluding their four-game road stint, while the Sabres are hosting Winnipeg the following Sunday night.
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FAQs
Q: Who scored the goals for the Vegas Golden Knights?
A: Brendan Brisson and William Karlsson were the goalscorers for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Q: What was significant about Dylan Cozens’ performance?
A: Dylan Cozens scored two short-handed goals in the game, becoming the seventh player in Buffalo Sabres history to achieve this feat.
Q: What are the playoff prospects for the Buffalo Sabres?
A: Despite their recent success, the Buffalo Sabres are still 10 points behind playoff contention and could extend their playoff drought to 13 seasons.
Q: Will Jack Eichel be joining the Golden Knights lineup soon?
A: Jack Eichel has resumed skating after knee surgery and is expected to make a return within the next two games.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Sabres’ outstanding performance against the Vegas Golden Knights, highlighted by Dylan Cozens’ historic short-handed goals, has breathed new life into their playoff hopes. Although they still face challenges ahead, their recent run of victories showcases their potential and commitment to ending their lengthy playoff drought. With key players like Jeff Skinner stepping up and the team showing a strong united front, the Sabres have given their fans a reason to harbor optimism for the remainder of the season.
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