Sabres Secure Third Straight Win Despite Devils' Late Push

Buffalo's Tage Thompson leaves game after an illegal hit, but the Sabres hold off New Jersey in a 4-3 victory.

Tage Thompson scored a goal and added two assists before exiting in the third period after a hit to the head by Stefan Noesen, who received a game misconduct penalty.
The Sabres built an early 3-0 lead in the first period with goals by Thompson, JJ Peterka, and Ryan McLeod, including a short-handed effort from McLeod.
Jason Zucker's second-period goal proved decisive, as Buffalo fended off a third-period rally led by Paul Cotter's two goals and Jack Hughes' short-handed score for the Devils.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves for Buffalo, while New Jersey's Jake Allen was pulled after allowing four goals, with Nico Daws stopping all shots in relief.
Buffalo extended its win streak to three games, matching a season high, while the Devils struggled without key players Nico Hischier and Jakob Markstrom, going 0-for-5 on the power play.