Noah Ostlund scored his first NHL goal to force overtime, but Clayton Keller netted the game-winner in the extra period as the Buffalo Sabres fell 2-1 to the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center.
The Sabres extended their point streak to seven games, their longest since 2023, and have now gone to overtime in five straight contests, earning points in nine of their last 10 outings.
Despite a scoreless first two periods, Buffalo controlled much of the play early, generating five high-danger chances and two power plays in the opening frame. Goaltender Alex Lyon kept the Sabres in it with a strong second period, stopping all 15 Utah shots and turning aside multiple power-play opportunities.
The Mammoth finally broke through early in the third when Nick Schmaltz scored his eighth goal of the season to make it 1-0. Just minutes later, Ostlund, recalled from the Rochester Americans earlier in the day, tied it with his first pro goal.
Keller ended it just 47 seconds into overtime, beating Lyon from the slot to hand Buffalo its fourth overtime loss of the season. Lyon finished with 33 saves, marking his fifth 30-save performance of the year.
The Sabres fell to 5-4-4 but continue to earn valuable points as they wrap up their homestand Thursday against the St. Louis Blues, with puck drop set for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].