The Buffalo Sabres have returned to Buffalo riding high on the momentum of a perfect California road trip, during which they swept the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks in three decisive games. This trip showcased the team’s grit and growing confidence and highlighted the emergence of key players stepping up in critical moments as Buffalo defied early-season expectations.
The week began with a goaltending clinic from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, whose 23-save shutout against the Kings set the tone for the trip. Jason Zucker’s power-play goal, deflecting a Rasmus Dahlin shot early in the third period, was all the offense the Sabres needed in a gritty 1-0 victory. Buffalo’s penalty kill was flawless, denying five Kings power-play opportunities, setting the stage for a dominant performance by the PK units throughout the trip.
Two nights later, the Sabres delivered a thrilling overtime win against the Ducks. Despite falling behind 2-0 early, Buffalo stormed back with goals from Peyton Krebs and Jason Zucker to force overtime. Rookie Jiri Kulich stole the spotlight in the extra frame, burying a rebound to secure a 3-2 win. The game showcased the Sabres’ resilience and depth, with young players like Kulich delivering in high-pressure situations.
The road trip concluded with a comeback victory against the Sharks, where Buffalo scored three unanswered goals in the third period to secure a 4-2 win. Dylan Cozens tied the game with a blistering slap shot, and Alex Tuch gave the game-winning moment a highlight-reel shorthanded goal—his third of the season. Rasmus Dahlin’s empty-netter sealed the victory, and James Reimer impressed in net, stopping 31 of 33 shots in his Sabres debut.
Buffalo’s penalty kill was a major storyline throughout the week, going a perfect 12-for-12 across the three games. The success of the PK units reflects not only strong goaltending but also the emergence of players like Alex Tuch, whose defensive play and league-leading three shorthanded goals have added a new dimension to the Sabres’ game.
These victories have propelled Buffalo to third place in the Atlantic Division, just two points shy of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. With a 7-1 record against Western Conference opponents this season, the Sabres have capitalized on their opportunities against non-divisional foes, and their upcoming schedule—with five of the next six games against Western teams—offers a chance to build further momentum.
Despite missing key players such as Tage Thompson and Jordan Greenway, Buffalo’s ability to adapt and thrive speaks volumes about the depth of their roster. Players like Zucker, Kulich, and Bowen Byram have stepped into larger roles seamlessly, while GM Kevyn Adams’ offseason additions continue to pay dividends.
As the Sabres prepare to host the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday at KeyBank Center, questions linger about Thompson’s availability. Regardless, the team’s recent performances suggest they are more than capable of continuing their success. Buffalo looks to turn early-season optimism into sustained playoff contention for the first time in over a decade.
If this California sweep is any indication, the Sabres are no longer chasing the season—they’re setting the pace.
Amerks Weekly Recap: Resilience, Setbacks, and Key Divisional Matchups Ahead
The Rochester Americans began their week with a dramatic overtime victory against the top-seeded Laval Rocket. Lukas Rousek‘s late overtime goal clinched a 2-1 win, showcasing the Amerks’ resilience and knack for rising to the occasion in close games. In his season debut, Goaltender Devon Levi was outstanding, turning aside 26 of 27 shots to anchor the team to victory. Brett Murray opened the scoring on the power play, and Ty Tullio assisted Rousek in scoring a decisive goal, helping Rochester extend its streak of earning points in nine of its last 11 games.
However, the week ended on a less favorable note. The Amerks suffered a tough 4-3 overtime loss to the Hershey Bears on Friday, followed by a lopsided 5-1 defeat to the Utica Comets on Saturday. Against Hershey, defenseman Kale Clague shone with a two-goal performance, while Levi stopped 24 of 28 shots but fell in the extra session. The team struggled offensively against Utica, with Brendan Warren’s late third-period goal as the lone bright spot in an otherwise quiet outing. Despite the setbacks, Rochester continues to showcase their competitive spirit, earning points in 10 of their last 13 games as they look to regroup during their homestand.
Looking ahead, the Rochester Americans have a busy schedule as they aim to bounce back and build momentum. They will host the Cleveland Monsters on Wednesday, November 27, at Blue Cross Arena, a key matchup as Cleveland currently sits near the top of the division standings. The Amerks then face a back-to-back series with the Syracuse Crunch, starting at home on Friday, November 29, before heading to Syracuse for the rematch on Saturday, November 30. These divisional battles will be crucial as Rochester looks to solidify their position in the standings and maintain their strong form on home ice.