The Buffalo Sabres were back on the ice Sunday night to play the Anaheim Ducks in the final game of their four-game road trip. It was a matchup featuring two teams in first place of their respective divisions, but it was one that the Ducks ultimately would win in overtime.
Alex Tuch would open the scoring for the Sabres, and Buffalo had a 1-0 lead early in the first period. However, the Ducks responded with two power play goals to take a 2-1 lead, but didn't take the lead into the first intermission as Josh Doan would score his 23rd goal of the season.
The second period, though, was all Anaheim as they would score twice to build a 4-2 lead, and it is the first time since the Tampa Bay Lightning game that the Sabres were down by multiple goals. They continued to fight, just like they did against the Lightning, and with three goals in the third period, were able to push it to overtime to secure at least one point before the Ducks scored in overtime.
These are some of the top takeaways from the game on Sunday night.
Buffalo Sabres score first once again
This season, the Buffalo Sabres have been almost unbeatable when they score first, with a record of 32-5-1 entering the game against the Anaheim Ducks. They once again would score first in this game after Owen Power set up Alex Tuch with a great no-look pass right in front of the net in the first five minutes of the first period.
Starting strong! 👊#LetsGoBuffalo | #sabrehood pic.twitter.com/m522zXhXV5
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) March 23, 2026
It didn't look like the Sabres were going to come away with the win, but with three goals in the third period made it much closer than anyone expected. While they didn't get the win, a 32-5-2 record when scoring first is still impressive.
Buffalo Sabres allow three power-play goals in a game for the first time this season
The Buffalo Sabres entered this game in the Top 3 in penalty kill percentage with an 83.1%, but they haven't been as dominant as of late. After allowing one power play goal against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, the Sabres would give up three power play goals in four power play opportunities.
The third power play goal was the most costly though as it was in the final two minutes of the third period after Alex Tuch was called for tripping.
This is a rarity for the Sabres this season, and they haven't allowed three power play goals in the same game all season and the first time since March 12th of last season. When considering the Sabres allowed one against the Kings, this is something the coaching staff might want to revisit once they are back in Buffalo.
Alex Lyon with two huge saves in third period to give Buffalo Sabres chance to make the comeback
The Buffalo Sabres entered the third period down two goals but were able to cut that lead fairly early in the period, with Jack Quinn scoring the goal. With it being a one-goal game, the Ducks didn't let up and had two breakaway chances that Lyon was able to stop and keep the game within reach.
These saves were huge in a game where Lyon didn't really have his best game. He would finish stopping 27 of 32 shots, and the five goals are the most he has allowed in a game since November 28th against the New Jersey Devils.
Even with him not having his best night, he came up with big saves when the team needed them the most, as Zach Benson and Owen Power added goals to not only tie it but then give Buffalo the lead. The saves he made in the third period were a huge momentum swing and one of the big reasons this game even went to overtime.
Zach Benson finishes the road trip on a high note
Entering the season, Zach Benson was expected to be on the top line with Tage Thompson but injuries and the emergence of Peyton Krebs have forced him to remain on the fourth line. This is not always something easy for a young player to accept, but Benson has continued to find ways to make an impact.
On Sunday night, Benson had two points in the third period with an assist on the Jack Quinn goal and then scored their fifth goal of the game off an assist by Rasmus Dahlin.
This is now Benson's second straight game with two after a goal and an assist against the Kings. It is also his third straight game with at least one point. If the Sabres continue to get this kind of production from their fourth line, along with what Sam Carrick has been able to provide since joining the team, it just gives them another element of this offense that makes them tough to beat.
Upcoming schedule
The Buffalo Sabres return home now for four straight home games starting on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM ET against the Boston Bruins. They will then have a back-to-back against the Detroit Red Wings and Seattle Kraken on Friday and Saturday.