BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — With a roster similar to what it would look like during the regular season, the Buffalo Sabres picked up a win in their fifth preseason game, topping the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime. It was the final game at KeyBank Center before the regular season begins in a little more than a week.
During a lackluster first period, the Sabres needed a bright spot and Tage Thompson gave them one. With less than a minute remaining, Thompson sent an absolute rocket that deflected off a defenseman and in for the team's first goal of the game.
The Sabres took their first lead of the game just two minutes into the second period after Sam Reinhart and company capitalized on the power play. Following a Columbus goal, Buffalo had a response after Jack Eichel found an open Victor Olofsson in front to put the Sabres back up by one. However, the Blue Jackets made it a back and forth affair, scoring in the final few minutes to send the game into overtime.
Marcus Johansson scored the game winning goal about a minute and a half into the overtime period where the team had nearly full control of the puck. Goaltender Carter Hutton stopped 22 shots in the win.
The Sabres will wrap up the preseason on Saturday, September 28th when they travel to Pittsburgh. The two teams will be back on the ice on October 3rd to begin the regular season.
