After losing three straight games, the Buffalo Sabres finally broke through on Wednesday night, defeating the Ottawa Senators 8-4 at KeyBank Center.  It was a much-needed confidence boost for Buffalo and a reminder that their season is far from over.

A Wild Start — Quinn Opens the Scoring

Buffalo struck early, and in an unusual twist, Jack Quinn gave the team its first lead with a power-play shot that flew wide, bounced off the end glass, hit Ottawa netminder Leevi Merilainen, and trickled in behind him.  It wasn’t the typical way to score a goal, but it provided the spark. 

 Ottawa responded before the end of the period, with Tim Stützle redirecting a point shot to tie the game at one. 

 In the second period, Ottawa briefly led 2-1 when Jake Sanderson scored after a scramble.  Buffalo challenged goalie interference, but the call stood.

Buffalo Erupts in the Second

Buffalo dominated the remainder of the second period.  Ryan McLeod tied it 2-2 with a short-handed goal, reversing the momentum. 

 Alex Tuch then gave Buffalo its first even-strength lead of the game by cleaning up a rebound in front. 

 From there, Jason Zucker scored two power-play goals in less than two minutes, increasing Buffalo’s lead to 5-2. 

 By the end of that stretch, Buffalo’s bench, special teams, and puck support were all on their A game.

Senators Fight Back — But Sabres Respond

In the third period, Ottawa showed struggle.  Shane Pinto scored just 40 seconds in, reducing the lead.  Lars Eller chipped away more, making it 5-4 at one point. 

 However, Buffalo quickly cooled the comeback.  Following a timeout by coach Lindy Ruff, McLeod scored again 17 seconds later, restoring a two-goal lead.  Quinn scored seconds later on a rush to bring the score back to three goals. 

 Jiri Kulich’s empty-net goal sealed the 8-4 final margin.

Standout Performers

This victory was truly a team effort.  Three Sabres scored twice: Zucker, McLeod, and Quinn. 

Alex Tuch contributed a goal and an assist. 

In his season debut, Zach Benson contributed multiple assists and demonstrated good energy after returning from injury. 

Alex Lyon made 32 saves in net to help Buffalo hold on through the third period. 

Jake Sanderson scored and assisted for Ottawa, while Jordan Spence had three assists. 

One major storyline for Ottawa is that their captain, Brady Tkachuk, has a hand injury that will keep him out for several weeks.  His absence is clearly felt.

Key Takeaways & What’s Next

Special teams flipped the script: Buffalo had struggled on the power play earlier this season, but tonight’s success (including two power-play goals by Zucker) was a significant improvement. 

Momentum shifts matter: McLeod’s short-handed goal and the quick responses in the third after Ottawa’s push demonstrated poise and resilience.

Depth was evident: it was not just about the stars; contributions came from multiple forward lines and defense support.

Ottawa’s injury problems: Tkachuk’s absence is hurting the team, and they’ll need to find answers while he’s out.

Next up, Buffalo will face the Florida Panthers, hoping to build on their recent victory.  Ottawa returns home to face the Seattle Kraken, hoping to rebound quickly. 

This first victory for Buffalo represents more than just a notch in the column; it is a fresh start.  The confidence, puck movement, special teams execution, and depth on display provide hope that the early losses will not define this season.  They’ll need to keep that edge going forward.