Sabres halt skid with win against Oilers

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Sabres got two goals from Tage Thompson and 32 saves from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to end their six-game skid with a 3-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night at KeyBank Center.

Trade deadline acquisition Josh Norris set up Thompson’s winning goal on a 2-on-1 rush at 3:20 into the third period.

“Unreal play,” was Thompson’s take on his new linemate out-hustling Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard and sliding the puck to him in front of the net.

Coach Lindy Ruff was pleased with Norris’ play in his second game with the Sabres. I liked his game defensively, and I liked his game offensively,” Ruff said. “I think that’s the player we see, the player that can play against top guys and play against top lines and still be a good offensive player.”

Thompson moved into the top six in the NHL with 33 goals this season. He also scored Buffalo’s opening goal off a rebound in the first period. Thompson’s scoring ability, and physical stature, have made a quick impression on Norris.

“He’s a mountain,” Norris said. “He’s a special player.”

Alex Tuch had the other goal for the Sabres, and Luukkonen made 12 of his saves in the final period, including three in big stops late against the Oilers’ top five power play starring Connor McDavid and the league’s leading goal scorer Leon Draisaitl.

“Those guys are two of the best players in the world and really gonna get you staring at the puck and looking for plays,” Thompson said. “I thought we did a good job, guys away from the puck, just having an awareness behind and looking for seams and taking away lanes.”

Buffalo plays next at Detroit on Wednesday night before hosting former captain Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.