Peterka’ crucial third-period goal push Sabres to 4-1 win over Flames

In a pivotal matchup, JJ Peterka broke a third-period deadlock with a crucial go-ahead goal, propelling the visiting Buffalo Sabres to a 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Sunday.

Tage Thompson contributed with a goal and an assist, while Peyton Krebs and Connor Clifton also found the back of the net for the Sabres (34-33-5, 73 points), who halted a two-game losing streak. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was stellar between the pipes, making 32 saves in the final game of a taxing five-game road trip. Notably, Luukkonen even chipped in with an assist.

Despite holding the NHL’s longest active playoff drought, spanning 12 seasons, the Sabres find themselves six points adrift of the Washington Capitals for the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot.

Jonathan Huberdeau managed the lone goal for the Flames (33-32-5, 71 points), who have stumbled with three consecutive losses and just two wins in their last eight games. Goalkeeper Dustin Wolf put up a valiant effort, turning away 25 shots in a closely contested match.

With overtime looming, Peterka seized the moment with a decisive goal at the 8:56 mark of the third period, assisted by Alex Tuch and Thompson. Thompson’s relentless forecheck led to a precise pass to the slot, where Peterka buried a one-timer for his 24th goal of the season. Luukkonen then stood tall in the Sabres’ net, making crucial saves, including some on deflections by Nazem Kadri, as the Flames pressed with the extra attacker.

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Thompson and Clifton sealed the victory with empty-net goals in the final minute, ensuring the Sabres left Calgary with a well-deserved win.

Krebs kickstarted the scoring early with his fourth goal of the season, ending a 29-game goal-scoring drought with a well-placed snap shot just inside the far post.

Huberdeau briefly equalized for the Flames with a power-play goal midway through the second period, his shot deflecting off a defenseman’s stick and into the net for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The game was marred by an injury scare late on when Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin left the ice after taking a deflected point shot to the head. Dahlin left under his own power while play continued.