Buffalo forward Alex Tuch netted the go-ahead goal just over four minutes into the final period Thursday night, leading the Sabres to a 3-1 road victory against the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff matchup.
The victory marks the second consecutive road team triumph in the best-of-seven series, with Buffalo now holding a 2-1 advantage.
Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram each contributed a goal and assist for the Sabres, while goaltender Alex Lyon made 24 saves in his playoff debut this season.
Boston’s Tanner Jeannot found the net for the Bruins’ only score, and Jeremy Swayman recorded 25 saves in the losing effort.
In other playoff action, Carolina defeated Ottawa 2-1 in Game 3, with Logan Stankoven extending his scoring streak to three games. The Hurricanes now lead their series 3-0, putting the Senators in a nearly impossible position, as only four NHL teams have ever recovered from such a deficit to win a playoff series. Jackson Blake added Carolina’s other goal, while Taylor Hall recorded two assists and Frederik Andersen stopped 21 shots. Drake Batherson scored for Ottawa, who have trailed throughout all three games, and Linus Ullmark made 25 saves.
Colorado moved to the brink of a sweep with a 4-2 road win over Los Angeles in their Western Conference series. Artturi Lehkonen led the Avalanche with one goal and one assist, while Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also found the net. Colorado goalie Scott Wedgewood turned away 24 shots. The Kings got goals from Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe, managing just four total goals through three games. Los Angeles netminder Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere added two assists.
