Achi news desk-
The Buffalo Sabers salvaged a road trip and kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 4-1 victory Sunday over the host Calgary Flames.
Tage Thompson led the Sabers (34-33-5) with a goal and an assist. Buffalo improved to 5-4-1 in its last 10 games and closed out a 2-3 road trip with a win.
JJ Peterka scored the game winner in the third period and Peyton Krebs of nearby Okotoks, Alta., also scored for Buffalo. Thompson and defender Connor Clifton each contributed an empty net goal.
Buffalo Sabers forward JJ Peterka (77) celebrates his goal with teammate forward Tage Thompson (72) as Calgary Flames forward Mikael Backlund (11) skates away during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Calgary, Alta., Day Sunday, March 24, 2024.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
The Sabers gave up five goals in the third period to the Oilers to fall 8-3 in Edmonton on Thursday.
“We had a game in Edmonton where we were going into the third tie and kind of let that slip away and get away from us,” Thompson said. “In a similar situation tonight and it was a good opportunity for us to react and clean up the mistakes we made last (game).
“It has been a difficult journey. Played a lot of good teams. I thought we played very good hockey and there were some stretching exercises where not good enough, not happy. Nice to go home with a win from under and keep that momentum going into our next one.”
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Buffalo goalkeeper Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 32 saves in the Victory and assisted on the Clifton empty netter.
Jonathan Huberdeau countered against Calgary (33-32-5) in their second loss in as many nights after dropping a 4-2 decision to the Canucks in Vancouver.
“I’m disappointed about the last two games more than anything because those were winnable games,” Flames head coach Ryan Huska said. “We just didn’t find a way to do that.”
Flames starter Dustin Wolf converted 25 of 27 shots in front of 16,497 announced at the Saddledome to go 2-2 since his latest call-up from the American Hockey League.
Calgary and Buffalo were watching the final wild card playoff spot in their conferences slip away.
With 10 games remaining in their regular season, the Sabers were six points back of the Washington Capitals holding down the final berth in the East.
“To get there, we have to take care of the next game,” Thompson said. “Short-term thinking, too. A short reminder. The loss in Edmonton, we can’t dwell on that. We did a great job responding tonight.”
Buffalo has finished outside the postseason the last 12 years.
With a dozen games remaining, the Flames were 12 points back of the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights in the final wild card berth in the West.
The Flames overhauled their back end and integrated new players this season with the trades of defensemen Nikita Zadorov (Vancouver), Chris Tanev (Dallas) and Noah Hanifin (Vegas), which brought in forwards Yegor Sharangovich and Andrei Kuzmenko and defenseman Daniil Miromanov to Calgary.
“We are making progress, but we are not consistent. That’s the problem,” said Flames defender Oliver Kylington. “In this league, if you’re not consistent, every team can beat you.”
Peterka’s goal was ahead at 11:04 of the third period thanks to heavy forechecks by the two towers of Thompson and Alex Tuch, who are both over six-foot-four. Thompson stepped from behind the net to feed Peterka in the slot.
Thompson extended his point streak to a season-high five games with three goals and four assists in that span.
Huberdeau’s power play goal at 10:35 of the second period tied the score 1-1. Buffalo scored on its first shot of the game at 4:53 of the first period.
Krebs, 23, scored his first goal since January 11 for his fourth of the season.
“It’s nice to score in general whether I’m here or anywhere else,” Krebs said. “With my family here, it’s special.”
Simon remembered
The Flames honored forward Chris Simon before the game with a video montage and a moment of silence.
The forward died on March 18 at the age of 52 due to what his family said was suicide. Simon played two seasons in Calgary, including the Flames’ run to the Stanley Cup final in 2004. He scored five goals during the playoffs.
Up next
Calgary: Heading out on a two-game road trip starting Tuesday at Chicago.
Buffalo: Head home to host the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.
