LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 27 saves to record his first shutout of the season and the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 2-0 on Tuesday night.
Josh Doan and Josh Norris scored for Buffalo, while Luukkonen registered the eighth shutout of his career.
The Sabres, who opened their four-game road trip with their 10th win in 11 games since the Olympic break, completed the regular-season sweep after they defeated the Golden Knights in Buffalo on March 3.
The Sabres have been the winningest team in the NHL since Dec. 9, sporting a 31-6-2 mark for 64 points.
The surge has Buffalo atop the Atlantic Division, ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens.
Vegas, meanwhile, had its two-game win streak snapped after opening its four-game homestand with wins over Pittsburgh and Chicago, outscoring the Penguins and Blackhawks by a combined final of 10-2.
The Golden Knights suffered just their third shutout of the season and first at home.
Buffalo got the only goal it needed when Vegas netminder Adin Hill failed to clear the puck behind the net, and Doan sent a backhand off the goaltender’s right pad and into the goal.
In making his fifth straight start, Hill made 23 saves. Hill has allowed eight goals in his past five starts.
Norris’ goal was an empty-netter, with an assist coming from former Golden Knight Peyton Krebs.
Up next
Buffalo: Visits San Jose on Thursday
Vegas: Hosts Utah on Thursday
-
Vegas Golden Knights leadership talks preparations ahead of Stanley Cup Finals
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon and Head Coach John Tortorella spoke to media members, reflecting on the playoff run so far and looking ahead to the Stanley Cup Finals.
WATCH: Vegas Golden Knights leadership talks preparations for Stanley Cup Final
The Guys in Gold are in North Carolina as they prepare to start this series after coming off a clean sweep against the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Finals.
How John Tortorella helped the Vegas Golden Knights find their swagger
Despite taking over with just eight games left in the regular season, Tortorella has led the team to a 19-4-1 record, winning the Pacific Division and advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
VGK's resilience has them four wins from another Stanley Cup, Dave Goucher says
Golden Knights play-by-play voice Dave Goucher says Vegas' resilience, renewed confidence and strong goaltending have fueled an unlikely run to the Stanley Cup Final after a turbulent regular season.
