The Buffalo Sabres brought relentless physicality and defensive intensity to Tuesday night’s 5-1 win over the Ottawa Senators, setting a gritty tone that had been missing in the early season. The Senators had three power plays but failed to convert any, thanks to a standout penalty kill and 37 fierce hits by the Sabres. Goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s stellar performance, with 37 saves and a .974 save percentage, was instrumental in keeping Ottawa at bay.
Bowen Byram, who scored twice, praised the team’s physical play, noting, “They’ve got some big, strong guys, but we’re a competitive team, and no one’s backing down.” Forward Jordan Greenway, who tallied four hits, served as the enforcer, even dropping the gloves with Senators’ captain Brady Tkachuk in a first-period scrap that set the tone for Buffalo. Shortly after the fight, JJ Peterka scored on a power play to put Buffalo up 1-0, a lead they held onto.
Buffalo’s hard-hitting approach forced three turnovers and marked the most hits they’ve recorded in a game this season—eight more than their previous two games combined. Peterka, with two goals and an assist, credited the energy from every line, saying, “After three losses, it’s great to see us respond like that.”
A recent line change involving Dylan Cozens, now on the wing, also bolstered the defense; Cozens had five hits on the night, further showing Buffalo’s commitment to a physical style. The Sabres aim to carry this momentum forward when they face the New York Rangers on Thursday, with their fans fully behind them.
