Riley Stillman had already involved himself in a heated second period between the Buffalo Sabres and the Tampa Bay Lightning, first with a punishing hit along the boards on Ian Cole and later with a net-front scrum that resulted in a Buffalo power play.
Eventually - with the Sabres pulling away on the scoreboard and the Lightning attempting to use physicality to swing momentum back in their favoir - Stillman picked his moment to drop the gloves. The newest Sabres defenseman fought Lightning forward Tanner Jeannot, igniting a sold-out KeyBank Center crowd.
Stillman sustained an upper-body injury during the fight - early indications were that he felt OK after the game, coach Don Granato said - but his decision had its desired effect. The game settled from that point on and the Sabres held on to win, 5-3.
Postgame Report | Sabres overpower Lightning in 5-3 victory
Dahlin has assist in return from 3-game absence
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© Joe Hrycych/Getty Images
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TBL@BUF: Hinostroza rips the puck to tally a goal
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TBL@BUF: Quinn scores in 2nd period
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2023 Sabres Kids Takeover Portraits
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Jr. Reporter Madison interviews Jeff Skinner
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Sabres Kids Takeover Day 2023 Highlights