Tage Thompson, JJ Peterka and Ryan McLeod scored unanswered goals in the first period Sunday afternoon for the host Buffalo Sabres, who fended off a third-period comeback by the New Jersey Devils to earn a 4-3 win.

Tage Thompson had a goal and two assists before leaving the game in the third period after taking a check to the head, and the Buffalo Sabres held on to beat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on Sunday.

Though the Buffalo Sabres held on to beat the Nashville Predators on Rob Ray night, pessimism still reigned supreme for the fandom. It’s hard not to when they still mire at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings,

The club clawed its way back from a 3-0 first-period deficit, but it ultimately didn't matter as the Sabres handed the Devils a 4-3 regulation loss. "We put ourselves in that position early," Paul Cotter said to NJD.

A bad turnover by the Sabres gave Paul Cotter a look from the high slot, but his shot was blocked. Minutes later Timo Meier had a breakaway that was stopped by Luukkonen with a split pad save. New Jersey couldn’t convert and the Sabres responded with three goals in the first period,