Predators’ Saros stuns with 34 saves, shuts down Sabres

Olofsson pulled off some serious skill on a penalty shot, faking out the goalie with a slick move from backhand to forehand and lifting it under the crossbar to bring the score to 2-1 at 10:02 of the second period. This opportunity came after he was taken down by Jeremy Lauzon on a breakaway and was awarded the penalty shot.

Following Olofssson’s goal, the Sabres gained momentum and went all out in pursuit of the tying goal late in the second period and throughout the third. They kept Nashville’s goalie, Saros, on his toes, forcing him into making several challenging saves, including a sprawling stop on Cozens in front of the net seven minutes into the third period.

Buffalo coach Don Granato commented, “We had a couple of chances early in the first around the front of the net. I think Tuch hit the crossbar, I’m pretty sure, after they scored their first or second. But we didn’t have the energy or confidence we needed. We were hesitant at the start. I felt we needed to snap out of it, and the penalty shot goal was the turning point for us.”

NOTES: Forsberg’s opening goal in the game marks his 40th, making him the third player in Predators history to achieve this milestone, joining Craig Smith (44) and David Legwand (43). … This was Olofsson’s second NHL penalty-shot goal, tying Miroslav Satan and Thomas Vanek for the most in Sabres history. His last penalty-shot goal was on March 24, 2021. … Buffalo forward Alex Tuch exited the game at 7:34 of the third period due to an undisclosed injury. Granato didn’t have an update but expected to know more on his status by Monday.