Sabres Topple Kings Despite Ending Shutout Streak

Tage Thompson and Zach Benson lead Buffalo to 4-1 victory over Los Angeles

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:56am

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The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 on Saturday afternoon, despite the Kings ending the Sabres' shutout streak at 174:55. Tage Thompson and Zach Benson each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres, who have won four straight games and seven consecutive on the road.

Why it matters

The Sabres have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL since the Olympic break, going 12-1-0 in their last 13 games. This win over the Kings keeps them in the thick of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Sam Carrick and Rasmus Dahlin scored 59 seconds apart in the third period to give the Sabres a 3-1 lead. Benson added an empty-net goal late to seal the victory. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 26 saves for Buffalo, while Artemi Panarin scored the lone goal for Los Angeles.

  • The Kings took a 1-0 lead on the power play at 10:48 of the first period.
  • The Sabres tied the game at 1-1 at 4:05 of the second period.
  • Carrick and Dahlin scored 59 seconds apart in the third period to give Buffalo a 3-1 lead.
  • Benson scored an empty-net goal with 2:25 left to make it 4-1.

The players

Tage Thompson

The Sabres' leading goal scorer with 36 on the season.

Zach Benson

Had a goal and an assist for the Sabres in the win.

Artemi Panarin

Scored the lone goal for the Kings, his fifth since being acquired from the Rangers.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Made 26 saves in goal for the Sabres.

Anton Forsberg

Stopped 28 shots for the Kings in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The Sabres continue to prove they are one of the top teams in the NHL, winning their fourth straight game and seventh consecutive on the road. Despite allowing their first goal in three games, the Sabres' stifling defense remains a key to their success as they push for a playoff spot.