Just hours before the 2019 ball drop, the Sabres set out to battle against the New York Islanders - and former Buffalo goaltender Robin Lehner - in search of a much needed win on home ice. Unfortunately, Sabres fans left Key Bank Center disappointed after the the final scoreboard read 3-1 in favor of New York.
Buffalo came out strong in the first period with 12 shots and a handful of missed opportunities - specifically by Tage Thompson - as well as a noteworthy save by Carter Hutton on Josh Bailey with 2:53 remaining before the first intermission.