HELSINKI (AP) — Thomas Vanek scored two powerplay goals as the Buffalo Sabres beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 in their NHL opener on Friday in Helsinki.

Vanek, the Austrian who has been the top goal scorer for Buffalo for the last five seasons, set the tone with his first goal at 4:02 in the first period. Newcomer Ville Leino then made it 2-0.

Nate Guenin replied for Anaheim in the second period, but Vanek helped restore the Sabres’ two-goal lead by setting up Jason Pominville to score.

Vanek then scored his second of the night in the same period.
Along with his goal, Pominville finished with two assists, while Luke Adam also provided two assists.