How the Buffalo Sabres fared against the Senators in 2022-23

In this next edition of ‘How They Fared,’ we’re taking a look at a potentially renewed rivalry between the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators.

The Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators are no strangers to each other. Back in the 90’s and early 2000’s, they would have some epic playoff matchups. While both teams have been transitioning for a while, it seems like a new rivalry could be forming between them. And the way the Sabres fared against the Sens this past season further foreshadows such a rivalry.

You wouldn’t have to wait long to see these two teams get together as they faced off in their first games of the season. It took place in KeyBank Center and Ottawa took the 1-0 lead after the first period courtesy of Brady Tkachuk.

After that, it was all Buffalo. JJ Peterka scored his first NHL goal and Rasmus Dahlin recorded his first goal of the season just a few minutes after and Buffalo had the 2-1 lead heading into the final frame. In the third period, it was the Victor Olofsson Show as he scored two goals in the final minute and Buffalo emerged victorious to start the season 1-0.

The next two games took place in Ottawa and the first one was a month later in November. Just like the very first meeting, Ottawa had a 1-0 lead after the first 20 minutes thanks to Austin Watson. In the second period, each team scored a power play goal and the Senators were leading 2-1 heading into the third. Ottawa scored two more goals and went on to win the game 4-1.

Buffalo Sabres, Senators had a memorable season series in 2022-23

New Years Day had Buffalo and Ottawa facing off for the third time. It wasn’t a good start for the Sabres as the Sens took the 1-0 lead again just 47 seconds into the game.

A few minutes into the second period, Zemgus Girgensons tied the game up before Ottawa regained the lead on the power play. They scored one more goal in the third and ended up winning the game, ending the Sabres six game winning streak.

Buffalo had their home opener against Ottawa, it was only fitting that their last home game was against the Senators. It was also fitting because it was going to be Craig Anderson’s final game. It was ironic because Anderson had his good years with the Senators so it was cool to play his last game against them.

After a scoreless first period, the Sabres had a 2-0 lead in the first couple of minutes thanks to Henri Jokiharju and Victor Olofsson. Ottawa fought their way back and had a 3-2 lead after the first 40 minutes.

It was nice to see the team win for Craig and the celebration on the ice after the game was so cool to experience. On the power play early on, Tage Thompson tied the game up and both teams needed overtime to determine the winner. Casey Mittelstadt scored the game winning goal on the power play and the Buffalo Sabres mobbed Anderson.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)