Deadspin: Resilient Sabres take recharged offense into OT-tested Kings matchup

Buffalo rallies past Anaheim

Buffalo trailed 2-0 early and later fell behind 3-1 in the first period against the Ducks on Thursday. The Sabres tied the game before the period ended, then scored six consecutive goals overall.

Tage Thompson finished with a natural hat trick and two assists, including two goals late in the second period. Buffalo went up 7-3 early in the third, its first lead of at least three goals this season, but Anaheim scored three times to make it close.

The Sabres converted twice on three power-play chances, scoring their first two road goals with the man advantage this season. Before Thursday, they had gone 1-for-19 over their previous six games.

Ruff flags defensive positioning

Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff said the team would keep working on its positioning after Anaheim narrowed the margin. He said better positioning should make opponents work harder for scoring chances.

Thompson said Buffalo recovered well and took control in the second period. The Sabres now seek a third consecutive win as they finish their road trip in Los Angeles.

Kings survive late Ottawa rally

Los Angeles built a 5-1 lead over Ottawa with four second-period goals, but the Senators tied the game late in regulation. The Kings recovered to win 6-5 in overtime, with Quinton Byfield scoring the winner.

Kings coach Peter Laviolette called the second period the team’s best of the year, while saying the third period went off track. Los Angeles had led the league with 20 losses beyond regulation last season, and Byfield said improving in overtime matters to the team’s goals.

Kings captain Drew Doughty said the team needs Byfield to be among its best players every night. Last season, the 24-year-old forward scored a career-high 24 goals and added 25 assists, finishing one point short of 50.