There were plenty of storylines entering the game on Saturday, as it would be the Buffalo Sabres' home opener, and they would be raising their first division banner in 15 seasons.
In addition, it would be Olen Zellweger's debut with the Sabres after missing the season opener, Louis Crevier's first game against his former team while also the expected return of Jordan Greenway and Bowen Byram back in Buffalo. While Greenway played in his first game against Buffalo since the trade, Byram was absent from tonight's game due to a family matter.
While the Sabres had plenty to celebrate, it didn't matter to Chicago as they would jump out to a 2-0 lead in the first period and then a 3-2 lead going into the final period. However, the Sabres,behind Rasmus Dahlin and Jiri Kulich, would secure the comeback win for their first win of the season by a final score of 3-2.
These are some of the key takeaways from the game on Saturday night for the Buffalo Sabres.
Buffalo Sabres begin fast but let their opponent get the lead
For the second straight game, the Buffalo Sabres came out fast and pushed the pace. They were getting their chances but just couldn't connect and, unfortunately, once again entered the first intermission behind on the scoreboard.
The Blackhawks didn't have as many chances but were able to capitalize and took a 2-0 lead in the period. The Sabres were able to cut into the lead before the end of the period with a beautiful goal by Jack Quinn.
It is tough to blame Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on either goal but it is notable the difference between the two goalies tonight to begin the game. The Blackhawks scored two goals on three high-danger chances, while Spencer Knight stopped all eight high-danger chances the Sabres had in that opening period, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Another shaky performance by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
It wasn't clear who would be in net for the Buffalo Sabres after Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and the coaching staff might go with Colten Ellis. To begin the season, the two might rotate while Alex Lyon is out due to a shoulder injury. However, the coaching staff elected to stick with Luukkonen for this game and it was another shaky performance by the goalie.
The Sabres on Saturday against the Blackhawks, did a great job limiting their chances as they had only 15 shots on goal but Luukkonen would allow three goals. He has now given up eight goals on only 34 shots for a save percentage of .783.
While the Sabres have had some defensive collapses and all these goals can't be blamed entirely on Luukkonen, it has not been a great start to the season for Luukkonen. The Sabres should give Colten Ellis the start on Monday against the Minnesota Wild and if he plays well, it could significantly change what the rotation has been to begin the season.
Sabres power play generates very little opportunities
The Buffalo Sabres power play is going to be a talking point until it isn't, and right now, through two games, the results haven't been great. On Thursday night against the Blue Jackets, they went 0-for-5 and on Saturday night they went 0-for-3 with only one shot on goal on the man advantage.
There is notable differences between the two games and not all power play chances are equal. In the game against the Blue Jackets, the Sabres had two full minutes of 5-on-3 that they failed to capitalize on. Meanwhile, on Saturday night one of the power plays lasted only seven seconds after Zach Benson was called for a penalty that made it 4v4.
Thankfully their inability on the power play didn't cost them against the Blackhawks but it is something they need to improve quickly.
Jiri Kulich scores the game-winning goal for the Buffalo Sabres
It wasn't the Sabres best performance on Saturday night, but it had a beautiful ending with Jiri Kulich scoring the game-winning goal. On the play, he initially missed a shot, but the Sabres kept it in the zone and Owen Power was able to find Kulich across the ice to finally get the goal.
It would be Kulich's first goal in almost a year, with his last goal being on October 24th, 2025, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kulich missed almost all of last season due to blood clots, and it has been great to see him back on the ice and now getting back to being a difference-maker for the Sabres.
The Sabres will have the day off with their next game on Monday night against the Minnesota Wild.
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