Tuch push: Sabres squander lead but nudge past Oilers in OT

Field Level Media|published: Wed 10th December, 24:17 2025

Dec 9, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right winger Vasily Podkolzin (92) and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Connor Timmins 21) battle for the puck in front of goalie Colten Ellis (92) during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

Tage Thompson recorded a goal and two assists for the Buffalo Sabres, who recovered for a 4-3 overtime win against the host Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.

Alex Tuch tallied the game-winning goal and Josh Doan scored twice for the Sabres, who squandered a 3-0 lead in the third period but still snapped a three-game skid.

Buffalo goaltender Colten Ellis stopped all six shots he faced before leaving the game late in the first period with an upper-body injury. Alex Lyon made 21 saves in relief.

Sabres center Josh Norris was a late scratch due to illness and soreness, the team announced.

Connor McDavid scored twice, Vasily Podkolzin added a goal and Stuart Skinner made 24 saves for the Oilers, who had won three of their previous four games.

Tuch received a centering pass from Ryan McLeod in the slot and beat Skinner with a quick wrist shot 33 seconds into overtime.

With Skinner pulled for the extra attacker, McDavid scored from the left circle to tie it 3-3 with two seconds remaining in the third period.

With Buffalo ahead 3-0, McDavid got the Oilers on the board 10 seconds into the third. He collected a loose puck along the right wall and brought it to the front of the net before putting a wrist shot over Lyon's right pad.

Podkolzin narrowed the gap to 3-2 at 1:56, pushing a loose puck from in front past Lyon's pad.

Doan gave Buffalo a 1-0 lead on the power play at 19:01 of the first period when he tipped a Rasmus Dahlin point shot under Skinner's arm.

The Sabres were on that man advantage after Oilers forward David Tomasek caught Ellis in the head as he drove through the crease. Ellis exited the game after Doan's goal.

Thompson made it 2-0 at 11:03 of the second period. He picked the puck off Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard at the goal line and took it in front for a snap shot that beat Skinner stick side.

Doan increased the margin to 3-0 with a highlight-reel tally from in front on a power play 56 seconds later. He took a pass from Thompson, pulled it back through his legs and put it past Skinner far side.

--Field Level Media

151327

Latest