Jason Zucker’s 2-goal effort helps surging Sabres defeat Islanders

Jason Zucker scored twice Saturday afternoon and Alex Lyon stopped all 26 shots he faced Saturday afternoon for the Buffalo Sabres, who continued surging with a 5-0 win over the New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y.

The two-goal game was the second of the season for Zucker, who scored twice in an 8-4 win over the Ottawa Senators on Oct. 15. The shutout was also the second of the campaign for Lyon, who made 32 saves in a 3-0 win over the Florida Panthers on Oct. 18.

Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch also scored for the Sabres, who have vaulted into playoff contention by going 18-3-1 since Dec. 9.

Goalie David Rittich recorded 16 saves for the Islanders, who have lost consecutive games for the first time since a three-game skid from Dec. 16-20.

Islanders center Casey Cizikas had a goal waved off due to goalie interference during a scoreless first period before the Sabres took control by scoring in the first and last minute of the second.

Zucker collected his first goal 33 seconds into the period. Jack Quinn's shot from the slot glanced off Rittich and bounced to Zucker, who put back the rebound over Rittich's glove from the goal line.

Thompson doubled the lead 19:47 into the second period. The center dished to Zach Benson, who was hounded by Scott Mayfield as he hit the goal line. Benson threaded a no-look pass past the post to Thompson, who tucked the shot past Rittich.

Zucker extended the lead to 3-0 just 25 seconds into the third when he took a pass from Ryan McLeod and beat Rittich stick-side from the edge of the crease.

Rittich was pulled with a little more than seven minutes left, but Dahlin ended any hopes of a comeback with a length-of-the-ice empty-netter with 5:58 left. Tuch scored on Rittich just 36 seconds later.