Boston Bruins

Bruins blow early 2-0 lead, fall to Sabres 6-3

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Tage Thompson had a hat trick, Jason Zucker scored the go-ahead goal early in the the third period and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Boston Bruins 6-3 on Sunday night fourth their fourth straight victory.

Thompson extended his scoring streak to four games with his first goal in the second period after the Bruins took an early 2-0 lead. Thompson scored again on a breakaway early in the third period, and got his 43rd goal of the season into the empty net in the final minute.

Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin each had a goal and an assist. Peyton Krebs and Bowen Byram each had two assists. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 18 saves.

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David Pastrnak assisted on all three goals for Boston, and Elias Lindholm got his 600th NHL point with a goal in the first period. Morgan Geekie and Casey Mittelstadt also scored. Joonas Korpisalo stopped 31 shots.

Bruins: Remained in last place in the Atlantic Division with their 11th loss in 12 games. Boston snapped a 10-game winless skid with a 5-1 victory over Carolina on Saturday night to avoid setting a dubious franchise record.

Sabres: Have staved off playoff elimination with wins in seven of eight games. Buffalo’s next loss will extend the longest postseason drought in NHL history to 14 seasons.

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Zucker’s shot from the top of the left circle hit Korpisalo’s glove and fluttered over the goaltender’s head and into the net to put the Sabres ahead 4-3 at 1:59 into the third period.

Thompson has eight career hat tricks, and two this season — both against Boston.

Both teams play Tuesday night. The Bruins are at New Jersey, and the Sabers host Carolina.

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