Michael Kesselring scores as Utah beats Buffalo Sabers 5-2
BUFFALO, New York — Michael Kesselring had a goal and an assist to help Utah beat the Buffalo Sabers 5-2 on Saturday.
Nick Schmaltz, Jack McBain and Kevin Stenlund also scored for Utah. Karel Vejmelka made 23 saves.
Kesselring and Mikhail Sergachev scored 24 seconds apart in the second period, giving Utah a 2-1 lead. It was Kesselring’s fourth of the season and Sergachev’s number 7 of the year.
Rookie Tyson Kozak scored his first NHL goal and Jiri Kulich also scored for the Sabres, who are winless in six straight games (0-4-2). Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 23 saves.
Buffalo’s six-game winless streak is its longest since losing eight straight in November 2022.
Sabres: A day after general manager Kevyn Adams explained how New York’s lack of palm trees and higher taxes made it difficult to convince players to join the Sabres, fans chanted his dismissal and booed the team as Utah scored two more goals. in the third period.
Utah: For the first time this season, Utah won a match even though it was trailing after the first period (1-4-0). It was the first time in eight games he had allowed a first-period goal and the first time Vejmelka had allowed a first-period goal on the road.
Sergachev’s goal in the second came when Luukkonen was taken out of the game after Sabers defenseman Dennis Gilbert pushed Utah forward Michael Carcone toward him and left Sergachev with an open net into which to shoot.
Utah’s two goals 24 seconds apart in the second marked the third time this season it has scored twice in 25 seconds. He also accomplished the feat on October 8 against Chicago and November 13 against Carolina.
The Sabers continue their five-game homestand Monday against Detroit. Utah plays the Flyers in Philadelphia on Sunday.
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