Halfway into the extension to Columbus, Jack Eichel propelled the puck toward goal, drew the defenders, and ice-cold back to Victor Olofsson who was just a few yards away in front of Matiss Kivlenieks and sprinkled the puck into the net.

Olofsson's second goal of the evening was a fact and Buffalo again celebrated "Goalofsson" and the victory with 4–3.

- We already know why he is our rookie of the year in the NHL for our part. He showed it again tonight. We really missed him, it was great to get him back, says coach Ralph Krueger at the press conference after the match.

"A little rusty"

Columbus had otherwise started the best, going up 2-0. Only in the third did Buffalo in general wake up and Olofsson in particular. A numerical superiority two minutes into the period was all that was needed for Olofsson's first goal of the evening.

- It didn't feel so good during the first two periods, I tried to find my way back to my game. Obviously it was noticed that they had been away for six weeks, it was a little rusty but I am happy with how I ended the match, Olofsson tells reporters in the dressing room.

Olofsson was injured against Edmonton on January 2, and had scored the most of all rookies in the NHL. Despite 15 players' absence, he now ranks second in that league and remains one of Buffalo's best point pickers during the season.

- We had to convince him that he would play. He was 100 percent healthy and he showed that on the ice. He has done a fantastic rehab job, Krueger praises.

Strong backlund

In the Honda Center, California, Mikael Backlund had a good night when his Calgary drove over home team Anaheim. The Swede scored two goals in the 6-0 victory and Backlund is now up to ten goals this season of which four have come in the last three matches.

Elias Lindholm also scored a goal, while goalkeeper Cam Talbot was noted for 44 saves and held the season's first zero.

Calgary is four in its division, at the same points as the third Las Vegas and second Edmonton, in a close top fight. Anaheim is sixth in the same division.