![Buffalo Sabres Triumph with 6-2 Victory over Seattle Kraken After Skinner Hat Trick 2 urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F562F742Ff0ad0518de1b9a302290594354a12F65631d20410e4561b2b01d6a22a23f95](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F562F742Ff0ad0518de1b9a302290594354a12F65631d20410e4561b2b01d6a22a23f95.jpeg?w=1170)
In an intense matchup, Jeff Skinner secured a hat trick for the Buffalo Sabres, leading to a decisive 6-2 win against the Seattle Kraken on Monday. Skinner’s initial goal was part of a rapid-fire onslaught of three goals within the opening six minutes, forcing Kraken goalie Joey Daccord to be substituted early in the game.
Other scoring efforts from Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch in the first period helped propel the Sabres to this dominant win, also marking their first victory against the Kraken in six attempts. With this win, the Sabres reached 71 points, positioned just four points shy of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with thirteen games remaining in the season.
Owen Power added another goal to Buffalo’s tally, while goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 32 saves, pushing the team to recover from their recent 4-1 loss to Detroit. Luukkonen has maintained a strong performance, yielding three or fewer goals in 26 of his last 27 games.
During the match, the Kraken initially gained the upper hand, with Jordan Eberle scoring just 24 seconds in — marking the team’s third-quickest goal ever. Matty Beniers rounded out Seattle’s side with a late-first-period power-play goal, but the Kraken were ultimately unable to halt their five-game losing streak, all of which transpired on their home ice.
After stopping only four shots, Kraken’s Daccord was replaced by Phillip Grubauer, who managed 23 saves for the duration. With their playoff hopes diminishing, the Seattle team now trails by 11 points for a Western Conference playoff position, with 15 games left in the season.
It was the second occasion within three weeks that Daccord was replaced during a game.
Kraken’s head coach Dave Hakstol acknowledged the shot quality by the Sabres but also indicated that a sharp Daccord would have saved those attempts.
The Sabres’ comeback started promptly after Eberle’s opener, with a goal from Thompson that leveled the score, followed by Skinner and Tuch’s goals, which ultimately led to Daccord’s benching. Don Granato, the Sabres’ coach, lauded the team’s energetic and successful response following the quick setback.
Skinner’s later goals in the second period and near the close of the game solidified his hat trick and ensured Buffalo’s substantial lead.
Thompson praised Skinner’s impact, attesting to his lethality in offensive play, which gives the team a valuable boost.
UP NEXT
Sabres: The Buffalo team looks forward to a confrontation with the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night.
Kraken: The Kraken set their sights on the Vegas Golden Knights for a Thursday night showdown.
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FAQ about Sabres’ Win over Kraken
Q: How many goals did Jeff Skinner score in the game?
A: Jeff Skinner scored three goals, earning a hat trick.
Q: Why was Seattle Kraken’s goaltender Joey Daccord pulled from the game?
A: Daccord was pulled after the Buffalo Sabres scored three goals in the first six minutes of the game.
Q: How does this victory affect the Buffalo Sabres playoff chances?
A: The victory brings the Sabres to 71 points, which is just four points behind the Washington Capitals for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Q: How many games does the Buffalo Sabres have left in the season?
A: After this game, the Sabres have 13 games remaining in the regular season.
Q: What was the significance of Jordan Eberle’s goal?
A: Eberle’s goal was the third fastest in the Seattle Kraken’s team history, scored just 24 seconds into the game.
Conclusion
The Sabres demonstrated a resilient and potent offense, with Jeff Skinner’s hat trick being a key component in the 6-2 win over the Seattle Kraken. This victory is significant as it keeps Buffalo in the playoff hunt, offering crucial points and a morale boost heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The team’s strong response to an early goal against them is a testament to their resolve and determination as they pursue a postseason berth. Both teams now look ahead to their respective next games with hopes of improving their fortunes.