Sabres Defeat Hurricanes 4-2 Behind McLeod Hat Trick

Ryan McLeod led the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring his first NHL hat trick in a game held at KeyBank Center. McLeod opened the scoring just 43 seconds into the game and added another goal just before the second period ended, solidifying the Sabres' early lead. Despite being outshot in the third period, the Sabres managed to hold off the Hurricanes, who scored twice in the final period but could not complete the comeback. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 35 saves for Buffalo, contributing to their recent resurgence with a 6-3-1 record since ending a 13-game winless streak. The loss marked Carolina's second consecutive defeat, leaving them still positioned in the race for the Metropolitan Division standings. The Sabres will next host the Pittsburgh Penguins in their ongoing homestand.