Key Highlights
- Miles Wood scored twice in the game to help the Columbus Blue Jackets defeat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3.
- Wood’s second goal came 2:53 into overtime after tying the game late in the third period.
- Columbus won four of their past five games, while the Sabres lost two consecutive games in overtime.
- Dunne scored his first NHL goal for Buffalo in his 20th career game.
NHL Action: Columbus Blue Jackets Triumph Over Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo, NY – In a thrilling National Hockey League matchup on Tuesday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured their fourth consecutive victory over the season with a 4-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Forward Miles Wood played a crucial role in the team’s success by scoring twice, including the game-winner just 2:53 into overtime.
Miles Wood returned to the lineup after missing five games due to an eye injury and quickly made his presence felt. He tied the score at 3-3 with 13:55 remaining in the third period by deftly deflecting Yegor Chinakhov’s shot from above the left circle into the far side of the net.
Wood’s perseverance and skill were further demonstrated when he scored again, this time from the side of the net off a pass from Zach Werenski at 2:53 of overtime to secure the win for Columbus.
Chinakhov opened the scoring for the Blue Jackets just 6:09 into the first period. Owen Power’s backhand attempt to clear in the corner hit Buffalo defenseman Conor Timmins and bounced into the left circle, where Chinakhov collected the puck and slid it past goaltender Alex Lyon’s left skate.
Game Flow and Key Plays
Buffalo quickly tied the game at 1-1 with Josh Doan scoring at 11:39 of the second period. He received a pass from Alex Tuch at the front of the net and pushed his own rebound through Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves’ pads.
Buffalo regained the lead at 14:12 in the third with Ryan McLeod’s goal. He banked a wrist shot off the shin of Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson under Greaves’ left arm.
Erik Gudbranson, who had felt soreness in his hip during warmups, was scratched from the lineup and Jake Christiansen replaced him on defense.
The Sabres also made a strategic move by acquiring Michael Kesselring, who joined Buffalo after being sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Despite these changes, the Blue Jackets managed to come back and secure victory.
Post-Game Analysis
Columbus coach Dean Evason expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance: “Yeah, it was a great team win for us,” he said. “We played as a team tonight and it certainly showed. Just happy to be back with the team.” He highlighted the importance of staying in games despite fluctuating play throughout the 60 minutes.
Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff reflected on his team’s improvement: “Maybe last year that would be a game we let a point slip away,” he said. “There was a lot I liked about how we were playing in that third period. … I think that part of the game has really changed, the high odd-man percentage rushes are missing and we’re becoming a team that knows how to still try to win but don’t make the egregious mistakes to lose.”
Buffalo’s Josh Dunne scored his first NHL goal at 2:40 of the third period. “Honestly it was great work by my linemates,” he said, adding that their hard work and battles contributed to setting up the goal.
Team Performance
The Blue Jackets were strong in net with Jet Greaves making 35 saves. Zach Werenski also provided support, tying it at 2-2 late in the second period on a power play. The Sabres’ Alex Lyon made 35 saves to keep his team in contention.
Columbus improved their record to 5-4-0 with this win, while Buffalo dropped to 4-4-2 after losing two consecutive games in overtime despite winning four of the previous five. This game showcased the competitive nature and resilience required in NHL matches, where a single goal can change the course of the entire match.
