Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) defends a shot by Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Lauren Spurgin, left, and Kate Spurgin, of Dallas, wear festive New Year's glasses prior to an NHL hockey game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) diverts a shot on goal by the Dallas Stars during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) and Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) fight for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (1) diverts the puck in front of Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) and Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) battle for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Buffalo Sabres left wing Jason Zucker scores a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith as Sabres right wing Alex Tuch and Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4), look on, during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Buffalo Sabres center Sam Lafferty and Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (24) crash into the boards during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)