The Buffalo Sabres found redemption on Saturday night with a hard-fought 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers, marking their first win of the season. Jordan Greenway, speaking from the locker room after the game, reflected on the team’s resilience following a challenging 0-3 start. Despite their initial setbacks, including a frustrating home-opener loss to the Los Angeles Kings, the Sabres remained committed to their game plan. Greenway highlighted the team’s determination and the valuable lessons learned during their early struggles, emphasizing their focus on continual improvement.
Saturday’s game mirrored previous performances with early adversity. The Sabres fell behind in the first period after missing several strong chances, a recurring theme in their season’s opening games. However, Greenway broke through late in the period, scoring the team’s first opening-period goal of the season. This ignited a surge of offense as Tage Thompson quickly followed with a go-ahead goal, and second-period contributions from Henri Jokiharju and Mattias Samuelsson solidified their lead. Alex Tuch sealed the win with an empty-netter, while Devon Levi anchored the team with 23 saves.
The Sabres’ victory was built on a strong all-around performance. They dominated high-danger scoring chances, outpacing the Panthers 16-5. This echoed their effort against the Kings, where they had also controlled play but were stymied by bad luck and strong goaltending. This time, persistence paid off. Tage Thompson stressed the importance of staying true to their system, believing that consistent execution would yield results. His confidence reflected the team’s growing maturity and focus.
Greenway continued to shine in his role, contributing not only offensively but also with his physical presence and defensive reliability. Following his goal, Greenway set the tone with a crucial neutral-zone hit that preceded Thompson’s tally. His all-around effort earned praise from teammates, including Thompson, who noted Greenway’s ability to disrupt opponents and create opportunities for his line. Greenway’s play exemplified the team’s gritty and cohesive approach.
The Sabres’ lineup adjustments also played a role in the victory. Head coach Lindy Ruff opted for an 11-forward, seven-defenseman configuration, allowing for more flexible line management. Buffalo native Dennis Gilbert made his debut, while Peyton Krebs stepped into a top-line role, contributing an assist and showcasing his versatility. Zach Benson, recovering from injury, received limited ice time but remains a promising young talent. Ruff expressed satisfaction with the lineup’s performance and hinted at further development opportunities.
Off the ice, the Sabres celebrated a significant milestone with Rob Ray’s induction into the team’s Hall of Fame. A franchise stalwart with 889 games as a player and two decades as a broadcaster, Ray was honored during the game by fellow Hall of Famers Ryan Miller and Dominik Hasek. An emotional Ray expressed gratitude for his lifelong association with the Sabres, while Ruff praised his contributions to the team’s culture and community, both on and off the ice.
The victory was more than just two points for the Sabres; it was a testament to their perseverance and belief in their process. Lindy Ruff acknowledged the relief of securing the win and emphasized the importance of maintaining their focus and energy. With three days to rest and prepare, the Sabres are poised to build on this success as they head into their next challenge against Pittsburgh. This win signifies a turning point and a renewed sense of confidence for a team determined to make its mark this season.
