In a close game, the Buffalo Sabers won 3-2 in overtime against the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center on Saturday.
It was Jeff Skinner who decided the case in extra time. He defeated Daniil Tarasov with a one-timer in the slot.
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The local favorite fell behind twice during the game, but always managed to equalize. 13 seconds before the end of the first period, defenseman Damon Severson scored the first goal after assists from Dmitri Voronkov and Yegor Chinakhov.
However, Jack Quinn responded in the opening moments of the second period by threading the needle and taking advantage of a shot return near Tarassov's circle. Adam Fantilli put the Blue Jackets back in front at the end of the second period with his 11th goal of the season, but midway through the third period Casey Mittelstadt sent the two teams into overtime with his 10th goal of the season.
The Sabers took revenge on the Blue Jackets, who beat them 9-4 on December 19th. With this victory, Don Granato's team ends a series of two defeats in a row. For Pascal Vincent's men, this setback is the fourth in the last five duels.
Columbus will return to action on January 2nd against the Boston Bruins. The Sabers, for their part, will host the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.