Stars score twice in 2nd to edge Sabres

Field Level Media|published: Tue 9th April, 23:11 2024

Apr 9, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (9) attempts to redirect the puck past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the first period at the American Airlines Center. credits: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Stars scored twice in the second period to rally for a 3-2 win against the visiting Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.

Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston and Joe Pavelski scored for the Stars (50-20-9, 109 points), who inched closer to clinching the Central Division title. Jake Oettinger made 19 saves.

Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin scored, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 22 saves for the Sabres (37-37-5, 79 points), who were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Tuch gave Buffalo a 1-0 lead at 4:09 of the first period. Robertson couldn't corral a pass in the neutral zone and Tuch carried it into the offensive zone where the Sabres maintained possession, and Henri Jokiharju fired a shot from the middle of the blue line that deflected off Tuch's leg in front.

Robertson tied it 1-1 at 6:15. Roope Hintz spotted him driving to the net from low in the right circle and Robertson stretched his stick out to tip the puck short side on Luukkonen.

Mason Marchment appeared to give the Stars the lead less than a minute later off a deflection in front, but the goal was overturned after video review determined Marchment put it in with a high stick.

Dahlin scored his 20th of the season to put the Sabres in front 2-1 at 9:38 when he took a pass from Owen Power at the blue line to the wall side of the right circle before sending a wrist shot five-hole through Oettinger.

Dallas capitalized on a turnover to tie the game early in the second period. Thomas Harley intercepted Dahlin's backhand clearing attempt and sent it to Johnston in the slot, where he backhanded it stick side at 3:38.

Pavelski put the Stars ahead 3-2 at 7:08, redirecting a Chris Tanev point shot from the right circle for his 27th of the season.

Jack Quinn appeared to tie it for Buffalo with less than three minutes remaining in the period, but Dallas challenged for a missed high stick, and the goal was overturned when video review showed Dahlin had knocked the puck down with a high stick prior to the goal.

—Field Level Media

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