The Boston Bruins overcame two deficits Saturday afternoon to earn a 3-2 comeback victory over the last-place Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden.
The result extends the Sabres' losing streak to 17 games (0-15-2), which is tied with the 1975 Washington Capitals and the 1993 San Jose Sharks for the second-longest in NHL history.
The Bruins were playing without leading scorer and top-line left winger Brad Marchand, who was placed on the league's COVID-19 protocols list earlier in the day. Boston's secondary scoring stepped up with goals from middle-six forwards Craig Smith and Nick Ritchie, as well as defenseman Matt Grzelcyk.
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Bruins goalie Dan Vladar made his second career NHL start and picked up another victory. He made 25 saves on 27 shots.
The B's are 2-0-0 against the Sabres this season and still have six more games against Buffalo remaining on the schedule.
FINAL SCORE: Bruins 3, Sabres 2
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BRUINS RECORD: 17-8-5
HIGHLIGHTS
Bruins goalie Dan Vladar misplayed the puck behind his net and Sam Reinhart made him pay to open the scoring in the first period.
Matt Grzelcyk tied the score 1-1 at 11:41 in the second period when his shot from the point made its way past Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark.
The Sabres regained the lead just a couple minutes later when Kyle Okposo capitalized on a rebound.
Nick Ritchie pounced on a loose puck in front of the net early in the third period to even the score at two goals apiece.
Craig Smith's fourth goal of the season proved to be the game-winner for Boston late in the third period.
