After the Buffalo Sabres lost their first three games of the 2025-26 season, they have bounced back in a big way with back-to-back wins. After winning 8-4 over the Ottawa Senators, they secured their first shutout win over the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers.
It was a slow first period as the game remained tied with neither team being able to score. However, it was a different story in the second period as the Buffalo Sabres would score three, including two power play goals by Josh Doan. The other goal was by Owen Power, which is the first goal by a defenseman this season, off a beautiful pass by Alex Tuch.
These are some of the initial takeaways from the Buffalo Sabres' big home win over the Florida Panthers.
Buffalo Sabres powered by their special teams
Through the first three games, the Buffalo Sabres were excellent on the penalty kill and equally as bad with their power play, as they failed to score a power play goal in their first 11 opportunities. While the penalty kill has remained great, the power play unit has come alive, and after converting all three against the Senators, they converted two of their four power play opportunities.
A majority of the improvement can be attributed to Josh Doan, who had both power-play goals against the Panthers, to go along with a power-play assist against the Senators. The other player is Zach Benson, who has had a power-play assist in each of the last two games.
As good as the power play has been, the penalty kill is what has really been the catalyst for their improvements. This was a sloppy game for the Sabres in terms of penalties, but the Panthers weren't able to capitalize and the Sabres killed all seven of their power play chances.
Buffalo Sabres win the second period which propelled them to a win
Last season, the second period was a big problem for the Buffalo Sabres as they would be outscored 107-84. It was a point of emphasis for Lindy Ruff back in training camp and their performance in the middle period has been a big reason for their wins against the Senators and Panthers.
In the game against the Senators, they scored four of their eight goals in the second period. On Saturday against the Panthers, they scored three goals that really put them in control and gave them the momentum they needed to get the win.
Alex Lyon once again puts together an impressive performance
Alex Lyon has been the starting goalie for the Sabres to begin the season, as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is dealing with an injury. He has been excellent to this point of the season, but the game against the Florida Panthers is his best performance to date, and it has to feel good coming against his former team.
Lyon finished the game stopping all 32 shots he faced against the Panthers, and his performance kept the game in reach until the Sabres' offense got going. The Buffalo Sabres once again came out flat, and the Panthers were out-shooting Buffalo 12-8 after the first period.
While the Buffalo Sabres will have to make a decision at some point once Luukkonen is ready to return, they fortunately don't have to worry about it right now and can benefit from the great play by Alex Lyon.