Helenius Secures First NHL Points, Sabres Edge Predators

Casey Halston

ago 1 hour

Helenius Secures First NHL Points, Sabres Edge Predators

The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Nashville Predators, showcasing notable performances from their players, including Noah Ostlund and Alex Lyon. This match marked a significant moment for Helenius, who secured his first NHL points.

Buffalo Sabres Triumph Over Nashville Predators

In an exciting game on February 1, 2023, the Sabres improved their record to 27 wins, 17 losses, and 5 overtime losses. They ended a two-game winless streak by defeating the Predators, who now stand at 23 wins, 22 losses, and 4 overtime losses.

Key Player Contributions

Noah Ostlund scored two goals, giving him critical offensive contributions.
Peyton Krebs added one goal and an assist to the Sabres’ effort.
Alex Lyon returned from injury, recording 31 saves in his first game since December 29.
Ryan O’Reilly led the Predators with two goals and one assist.
Filip Forsberg contributed with one goal and two assists for Nashville.

Game Highlights

Ostlund opened the scoring for the Sabres at 8:11 in the first period. He capitalized on a rebound off a shot from Rasmus Dahlin, which was redirected by Helenius, marking Helenius’s first NHL point. This early goal set the tone for Buffalo’s offensive dominance.

Despite some struggles, the Predators rallied in the second period after a rocky start. Forsberg commented on the team’s initial lack of effort. “We didn’t move, we didn’t work, we didn’t compete,” he noted, highlighting the need for improvement as the game progressed.

Goalie Performances

In the net, Juuse Saros faced challenges and was pulled after allowing four goals on 18 shots in the second period. Justus Annunen stepped in as relief, making 13 saves. Lyon’s performance, however, proved crucial for the Sabres, as he secured a strong presence in goal after his return.

Next Steps for Both Teams

The Sabres look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, while the Predators will need to reassess their strategies to avoid falling into a deeper slump. Both teams are aiming for improvement as the NHL season intensifies.

This game not only highlighted the talents of young players like Ostlund but also demonstrated the resilience of the Sabres as they continue their pursuit of success this season.