Thompson’s Second-Period Strike and 3rd-Period Goal Lift Sabres Past Kings

Road Victory in Los Angeles

The Buffalo Sabres secured a crucial away win against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, October 31, 2026, ending regulation play with a 3-2 final score. The victory improves Buffalo’s record to 7-4-3, earning them 17 points in the standings. Conversely, the Kings drop to 4-7-2, sitting at 10 points after hosting the contest at crypto.com Arena before an attendance of 16,161.

Period-by-Period Breakdown

Buffalo established early control in the opening frame. Jack Quinn opened the scoring with his eighth goal of the season, utilizing a snap shot to beat the goaltender. The play was assisted by Zach Benson, who recorded his tenth assist, and Rasmus Dahlin, who earned his sixth. This goal gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead heading into the second period.

The Sabres doubled their advantage midway through the middle frame. Tage Thompson scored his ninth goal of the season on another snap shot. The play was set up by assists from Zach Benson, marking his eleventh of the year, and Mattias Samuelsson, who picked up his seventh assist. At that moment, Buffalo led 2-0.

Los Angeles responded to cut into the deficit late in the second period. Corey Perry scored his first goal of the season on a deflected shot. Trevor Moore provided the primary assist for his third point, while Brandt Clarke contributed his seventh assist. The Kings reduced the gap to 2-1 as they headed into the third period.

Closing Out the Game

The third period saw Los Angeles tie the game at 2-2. Andre Lee scored his first career goal on a tip-in effort. Scott Laughton assisted on his third point, and Joel Armia added his third assist of the season. However, Buffalo regained the lead shortly thereafter.

Tage Thompson scored his tenth goal of the season, completing his two-goal performance with a snap shot. Jack Quinn recorded his sixth assist on the play, and Rasmus Dahlin earned his seventh, restoring Buffalo’s one-goal advantage at 3-2. The Sabres held onto this margin for the remainder of the game.

Final Standings Impact

With this result, the Sabres extend their positive momentum on the road. Tage Thompson led all scorers with two goals and two points. Rasmus Dahlin contributed two assists.

For Los Angeles, Corey Perry recorded one point, Andre Lee scored one goal, and Joel Armia provided one assist. The teams now move forward with Buffalo holding a significant edge in the standings over their Western Conference opponents.

Sources

ESPN