The New Jersey Devils gave themselves a chance in the third period of Sunday afternoon's game against the Buffalo Sabres. The club clawed its way back from a 3-0 first-period deficit, but it ultimately didn't matter as the Sabres handed the Devils a 4-3 regulation loss.

Tage Thompson, JJ Peterka and Ryan McLeod scored unanswered goals in the first period Sunday afternoon for the host Buffalo Sabres, who fended off a third-period comeback by the New Jersey Devils to earn a 4-3 win.

Thompson left the game at 5:11 of the third period after he was hit by New Jersey forward Stefan Noesen, who was assessed a five-minute major and match penalty. Jason Zucker and JJ Peterka also scored, and Rasmus Dahlin had two assists for the Sabres (21-26-5), who have won three in a row. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves.

Buffalo Sabres head coach, Lindy Ruff, must’ve felt a lot like New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe when he faces the Toronto Maple Leafs. That last two times the Devils and Sabres met, they were in Czechia,

A bad turnover by the Sabres gave Paul Cotter a look from the high slot, but his shot was blocked. Minutes later Timo Meier had a breakaway that was stopped by Luukkonen with a split pad save. New Jersey couldn’t convert and the Sabres responded with three goals in the first period,