The COVID-altered New York Islanders got the better of the COVID-altered Buffalo Sabres, claiming 4-1 victory in their first game after the holiday break and multiple COVID-related postponements.
The Sabres came in still missing key regulars and after playing the night before. So given the Islanders’ dire record, this was kind of a “must win,” and it was important that they pull away once they had the Sabres down. The score was tied 1-1 still 26 minutes into the game, but the Islanders potted two goals in the second to take the lead and pulled away in the third.