The Buffalo Sabres lost their season opener 4-0 to the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center on Thursday. Despite outshooting the Rangers 37-32, the Sabres were unable to convert on four power play opportunities.
Alexis Lafreniere scored midway through the first period, giving New York a lead they maintained for most of the game. The Rangers increased their advantage late in the third period with goals from Carson Soucy, J.T. Miller, and Adam Fox.
Igor Shesterkin stopped all 37 shots he faced for a shutout performance.
Buffalo played without defensemen Owen Power (illness) and Michael Kesselring (undisclosed injury), as well as forward Zach Benson, who was sidelined after being hit in the face by a puck during practice on Wednesday. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was also out with a lower-body injury and is considered week to week. Alex Lyon started in goal for Buffalo and made 29 saves on 32 shots.
Sabres forward Josh Norris left the game in the third period due to a lower-body injury.
The Sabres will next face the Boston Bruins on Saturday, with coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. on MSG and puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.
Scoring summary:
NYR 1, BUF 0 | Period 1, 11:43 – Alexis Lafreniere from Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin
NYR 2, BUF 0 | Period 3, 14:46 – Carson Soucy from Will Borgen and J.T. Miller
NYR 3, BUF 0 | Period 3, 17:11 – J.T. Miller from Braden Schneider and Alexis Lafreniere
NYR 4, BUF 0 | Period 3, 17:25 (EN) – Adam Fox from Sam Carrick
Photo galleries from the game are available online. The team also held its annual Blue & Gold Carpet event at KeyBank Center prior to Thursday’s game.
