Buffalo Sabres Shut Out Senators: Quinn and Luukkonen Shine in 4-0 Victory

The Buffalo Sabres seized a critical Atlantic Division matchup Thursday night with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. With the win, the Sabres (16-21-5) continue their recent resurgence, going 5-2-1 since snapping a month-long winless streak.

Hometown Heroics from Jack Quinn

Jack Quinn, playing in front of his hometown crowd, delivered a performance to remember with two first-period goals that set the tone for Buffalo’s dominance. His first tally came midway through the opening frame when he capitalized on a defensive turnover, snapping a sharp-angle shot past Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg. Moments later, Quinn emerged from the penalty box to convert a breakaway opportunity, showcasing his speed and finishing prowess.

Quinn’s contribution didn’t just electrify the scoreboard; it symbolized the Sabres’ ability to seize momentum despite being outshot 13-6 in the opening period.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen Locks Down the Net

Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen delivered a masterclass between the pipes, turning aside all 35 shots he faced to secure his second shutout of the season and seventh of his NHL career. Luukkonen’s poise was pivotal during the Senators’ early offensive pushes, particularly on a dangerous redirect the first period.

Depth Shines as McLeod Breaks Through

Ryan McLeod’s all-around effort highlighted Buffalo’s growing depth. Ending a 23-game goal drought, McLeod found the scoresheet three times, tallying a goal and two assists. His goal, an attempted pass deflected in off a Senators skate, gave Buffalo an insurmountable 4-0 lead midway through the second period.

McLeod’s increased role in the absence of injured center Jiri Kulich has been notable. He logged over 20 minutes of ice time, contributed on both ends of the ice, and played a significant role in Buffalo’s penalty-killing success.

Cozens and the Second Period Surge

Dylan Cozens added to the Sabres’ lead early in the second period, intercepting a breakout pass in the Senators’ zone and rifling a wrist shot past Forsberg. His two-way play and knack for creating scoring opportunities underscored Buffalo’s balanced attack.

The Sabres maintained control throughout the second period, limiting Ottawa’s quality chances while extending their lead.

Physicality and Team Identity on Display

Buffalo’s physicality was evident from the opening minutes when Jason Zucker absorbed a hit from Brady Tkachuk that resulted in a charging penalty. Dennis Gilbert later confronted Tkachuk, sending a clear message that the Sabres would not back down.

The third period saw Gilbert and Tkachuk drop the gloves in a spirited fight, further cementing Buffalo’s growing identity as a team that combines skill with grit.

Looking Ahead

The Sabres now return home to host the Seattle Kraken on Saturday in what promises to be an exciting Kids Takeover Night at KeyBank Center. With momentum on their side and standout performances across the roster, Buffalo aims to continue climbing the Atlantic Division standings.