Tuch hat trick, Luukkonen’s 15 saves and more: 3 reasons why Buffalo Sabres won 6-2 over Chicago Blackhawks

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Dec 28, 2024 03:58 GMT

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The Buffalo Sabres are on a two-game winning streak after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 on Friday night at KeyBank Center. The win, coupled with the Detroit Red Wings' loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs, ties the Sabres with the Wings for seventh in the Atlantic Division.

Alex Tuch went berserk, notching a hat trick. Zach Benson, Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn added the other goals for the Buffalo Sabres. Tyler Bertuzzi and Seth Jones replied for the Blackhawks. Jones’ tally made the game 4-2 before the Sabres pulled away for good.

Here’s a closer look at three reasons why Buffalo won over Chicago on Friday night.

3 reasons why Buffalo Sabres won 6-2 over Chicago Blackhawks

#3. Sabres played a disciplined game

The Sabres played a strong, disciplined game. Buffalo managed to stay out of the penalty box, handing Chicago only one power play opportunity. The Sabres promptly killed it off, preserving the win.

In total, Buffalo registered four penalty minutes. The overall lack of time spent in the penalty box is crucial as the Sabres look to build momentum moving forward.

#2. Luukkonen continues to rebound with strong outing

Sabres starting netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had a strong outing, making 15 saves on 17 shots. The performance continues to signal a rebound for Luukkonen as his 28 saves against the New York Islanders on Dec. 23 helped snap the Sabres’ 13-game losing streak.

On Friday night, Luukkonen looked calm in the crease. That situation was crucial as the Sabres played confidently in front of Luukkonen. In the end, the Sabres’ win started from the crease and out. Moving forward, the Sabres will look to build on the positives seen on Friday night.

#1. Tuch’s hat trick

A significant factor in the Buffalo Sabres’ 13-game losing streak was the lack of scoring. That was not a problem on Friday night as Alex Tuch led the way with a hat trick.

Most importantly, other key players got into the action. Rasmus Dahlin was two helpers, Cozens and Quinn had two points apiece (1G, 1A), with Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka also getting on the scoresheet.

The positive performance against the Blackhawks is an indication that the Sabres have the talent to turn things around this season. While a playoff spot may be out of the question by now, the Sabres can still turn a largely disappointing season into one to build on.

The Sabres will get the night off on Saturday before taking on the St. Louis Blues next at Enterprise Center on Sunday.