DALLAS (AP) — Wyatt Johnston notched the decisive goal in his 200th NHL appearance as the Dallas Stars triumphed over the Buffalo Sabres 4-2 on Tuesday night. Johnston skillfully redirected a precise feed from Thomas Harley past Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s right shoulder, granting Dallas a 3-2 advantage at 11:32 of the third stanza.
Jason Robertson contributed a goal and two assists to the victory, while Roope Hintz tallied his team-leading 16th goal of the season. Esa Lindell sealed the win with an empty-netter for the Stars, who have collected points in their past four outings, boasting a 3-0-1 record during that span.
Casey DeSmith, between the pipes for his ninth start of the campaign, turned away 21 shots and earned his second career assist on Lindell’s goal.
For the Sabres, Jason Tucker and Beck Malenstyn found the back of the net, halting their three-game winning streak. Luukkonen displayed prowess in the crease with 29 saves.
Key Points:
– Sabres: Luukkonen showcased his agility by thwarting Dallas’ initial 20 shots on goal. Tage Thompson registered an assist on Zucker’s goal, extending his point streak to four games with two goals and three assists in that span. He has accumulated 10 points in his last eight matchups against Dallas (three goals, seven assists). Zucker has tallied goals in three of the previous four games.
– Stars: Despite a lackluster 10.4% power-play efficiency in December (5 for 48), Dallas managed an 8-5-1 record for the month. The Stars faltered on the power play against Buffalo, going 0 for 1 and failing to convert on their last 16 man-advantage opportunities. Robertson has amassed 14 points in the last dozen games, comprising four goals and 10 assists.
Key Moment:
– Harley’s precise pass from the left boards stayed low to the ice, enabling Johnston to direct the puck towards the net.
Key Stat:
– The Stars avoided penalties for the first time this season, a notable achievement against a Buffalo squad that notched two power-play goals in their recent victory over St. Louis and had accumulated four power-play goals in the preceding four games.
Upcoming Games:
– The Sabres will face off against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, while the Stars are set to host the Ottawa Senators.
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