Cozens scores in OT, lifts Buffalo Sabres to 3-2 win over Tampa Bay Lightning

After the Sabres failed to hold a one-goal lead in the third period, Dylan Cozens stepped up and scored 1:46 into overtime to give Buffalo its first win of the season, a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night.

Buffalo wasted a 2-0 lead in the first period, and Brandon Hagel scored twice to tie the game with seven seconds remaining.

“That would be frustrating to lose that game,” Cozens added.

“But those are the type of games we need to win. Low scoring, gritty games and games where we just find a way.”

Buffalo also got goals from Zemgus Girgensons and Jeff Skinner, and rookie goaltender Devon Levi stopped 21 shots to help the Sabres bounce back after two losses to start the season.

Don Granato, the Sabres’ coach, never felt his team’s confidence dipped during overtime.

“I love where they were at and just felt confident that they were going to get the job done,” Granato said in a statement.

“And I think that was probably our message, just move on, we’ll win the game.”

The Sabres controlled much of the play in overtime, with Cozens accepting a pass in the high slot. He then skated to the edge of the right circle, where he snapped a hard shot that banked in off the far post.

Hagel saved the Lightning a point in the standings with his team-leading fourth goal of the season. Jonas Johansson finished with 28 saves as Tampa Bay battled back to avoid being swept on its three-game road trip following losses at Detroit and Ottawa.

“It’s obviously a step in the right direction, I mean, one (point) is better than none,” Hagel said.

SCRATCHES/INJURIES

Lightning: Captain Steven Stamkos, who appeared to be hurt after blocking a shot against Detroit on Saturday, missed his second straight game and was listed day to day. … C Tyler Motte missed his third-straight game with an upper-body injury.

Sabres: D Mattias Samuelsson (upper body) did not return after appearing in one shift in the third period. Granato listed him as day to day. … LW Victor Olofsson was a healthy scratch to make room for Tyson Jost to make his season debut.

UP NEXT

Lightning: Play next five at home, beginning with the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night.