Ryan McLeod’s Star Performance Guides Sabres Past Hurricanes, 4-2

On Wednesday night, the Buffalo Sabres earned a gritty 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, with Ryan McLeod stealing the spotlight in front of a national television audience. McLeod notched two goals and drew an awarded empty-netter to cap off his best performance of the season, bringing his recent total to three goals in the last three games.

The Sabres (17-22-5) continued to showcase their resilience since snapping a 13-game winless streak, going 6-3-1 in their last ten outings. With their victory, Buffalo gained a measure of revenge against a Carolina team that has largely dominated them in recent history.

---

McLeod Steps Up in Style

McLeod wasted no time making his mark. Centering JJ Peterka and Alex Tuch to start the game, he scored just 43 seconds into the first period, wiring a wrist shot from the high slot past Dustin Tokarski. It was the sixth time Buffalo scored on its first shot this season, underscoring their knack for quick starts.

Later, McLeod moved up to the top line alongside Jason Zucker and Tage Thompson, a shift that proved pivotal. With just 3.5 seconds left in the second period, McLeod capitalized on a Zucker rebound, corralling the puck in front and roofing it over Tokarski’s right pad for his second of the night.

Though denied an empty-netter by a blatant slash in the final seconds, McLeod’s hustle was rewarded as officials awarded the Sabres the goal. Tage Thompson, whose long-range attempt off the post set up the play, was credited with his 20th goal of the season.

---

Cozens, Luukkonen Key to Victory

Dylan Cozens added to Buffalo’s early momentum with a second-period goal, his 10th of the season. After Tuch’s deft setup in the high slot, Cozens unleashed a snapshot that beat Tokarski cleanly to extend the Sabres’ lead to 2-0.

On the back end, goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen delivered a stellar performance, making 34 saves on 36 shots for his 14th win. Luukkonen’s poise under pressure was vital as Carolina dictated play in the second and third periods, outshooting Buffalo 40-22 in shot attempts during the middle frame alone.

The Sabres’ defense also held strong, with Mattias Samuelsson making a key goal-line save during a second-period penalty kill. After missing two games due to illness, Samuelsson’s return to the lineup provided a noticeable boost.

---

Hurricanes Surge, Sabres Hold Firm

Carolina, known for its relentless style, came alive in the third period. Defenseman Jaccob Slavin finally broke through at 3:45, slipping a low shot through Luukkonen’s five-hole after a deflection off Zach Benson.

The Hurricanes made it a one-goal game at 16:52 when Martin Necas blasted a one-timer past Luukkonen, prompting Sabres coach Lindy Ruff to call a timeout. With the game hanging in the balance, Buffalo tightened up defensively, holding Carolina without a quality chance in the final minutes.

Despite their pressure, the Hurricanes couldn’t overcome McLeod’s heroics and Buffalo’s defensive resolve.

---

Depth Contributions Shine

The Sabres’ victory highlighted the importance of contributions from up and down the lineup. Defenseman Connor Clifton tied a team-high with four hits and added a primary assist on McLeod’s first goal. Forward Beck Malenstyn, returning after a three-game absence, also made an impact with an assist and four hits in 15:05 of ice time.

---

Looking Ahead

The Sabres will look to build on their momentum as they conclude their three-game homestand Friday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. With McLeod heating up and Luukkonen finding his rhythm in net, Buffalo aims to continue its climb out of the Eastern Conference cellar.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. on MSG.