BUFFALO — The Buffalo Sabres, led by a stellar performance from Tage Thompson, defeated the Ottawa Senators 5-3 at KeyBank Center on Thursday. Thompson’s two-goal effort was pivotal in extending the Senators’ losing streak to five games.
Buffalo coach Don Granato acknowledged Thompson’s determination to improve from their previous 5-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Rasmus Dahlin and Dylan Cozens also made significant contributions, with Dahlin assisting twice and Cozens scoring a goal and an assist. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 25 saves, helping the Sabres (18-20-4) secure their fourth win in six games.
Forward Peyton Krebs emphasized the team’s focus and resilience, particularly in the third period, where they managed to maintain their lead despite conceding a couple of goals.
The Senators, struggling to find form, saw Claude Giroux scoring twice. They faced a setback when goalie Anton Forsberg left the game with a right groin injury, replaced by Joonas Korpisalo.
JJ Peterka gave the Sabres an early lead, breaking his 12-game drought with a goal at 9:14 of the first period. Vladimir Tarasenko tied the game for the Senators, but Thompson’s end-to-end play and a power-play wrist shot put Buffalo ahead.
Krebs extended Buffalo’s lead in the second period, while Giroux’s efforts in the third brought the Senators close but not enough to overturn the deficit. Cozens sealed the win with an empty-net goal, concluding the game at 5-3.
Ottawa coach Jacques Martin acknowledged the team’s strong third period but emphasized the need for consistent performance throughout the game. Despite the loss, Martin saw positives in the team’s resilience and ability to create scoring opportunities.
In player milestones, Tarasenko’s goal marked his 600th NHL point. Thompson, who briefly left the game in the third period, is expected to be okay, according to Granato. Dahlin is nearing a record for multiassist games by a Sabres defenseman.
The Sabres played without forward Jeff Skinner, sidelined with an upper-body injury. This win for Buffalo signifies their growing confidence and ability to compete against challenging opponents.
