The Sabres knew the Blackhawks had an early morning flight because of the NHL’s travel restrictions during the holiday break. That left an already beatable team more prone to start slow. Buffalo took advantage with a 12-4 advantage in scoring chances in the first period, according to Natural Stat Trick.

A win is a win.' Islanders head coach Patrick Roy discussed his team's 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks by saying "A win is a win." Roy

Alex Tuch scored a hat trick for the Buffalo Sabres in a 6-2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks. Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn each had a goal and an assist in the first period.

Tyler Bertuzzi and Seth Jones scored for the Blackhawks (12-22-2), who have lost three straight. Petr Mrazek allowed four goals on 11 shots before Arvid Soderblom (22 saves) replaced him to start the second period.

Alex Tuch's third career hat trick led the Buffalo Sabres to a 6-2 win over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.