The Buffalo Sabres are flipping the script on what used to be a dreaded part of their schedule. Extended road trips once spelled trouble for Buffalo, but not this time.
With a convincing 3-0 win over the New York Islanders, the Sabres have now rattled off three straight road victories and are suddenly looking like a team no one wants to host. They’ll have a chance to close out this five-game road swing with a perfect 4-0 mark when they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.
This win over the Islanders wasn’t flashy early on-it was a grind. The first period ended scoreless, snapping an 11-game streak where the Sabres had found the back of the net in the opening frame.
But Buffalo didn’t panic. Instead, they regrouped and came out with purpose in the second.
Just 33 seconds into the middle period, Jason Zucker broke the deadlock, giving the Sabres the jolt they needed. From there, they controlled the tempo, added another goal before the second intermission, and then really put it away with three more in the third.
That’s the kind of full-team effort that’s been eluding them at times this season, especially when it comes to holding onto leads. But not this time.
They stayed aggressive, stayed connected, and shut the door.
And a big part of that defensive lockdown came courtesy of Alex Lyon, who might’ve just delivered his best performance of the season. The veteran netminder stopped all 26 shots he faced, picking up his second shutout of the year-and his first since back in mid-October against Florida.
Lyon was dialed in from the drop, especially in the second period when the Sabres were clinging to a 1-0 lead and gave up a few dangerous chances while on the power play. He stood tall, including a stretch where he turned away three short-handed bids in quick succession.
Lyon has been Buffalo’s most reliable goaltender this season, and he’s only strengthening that case since returning from injury. He’s now won nine straight starts, and with the way he’s playing, it’s hard to imagine anyone else getting the nod in net right now. The Sabres are still managing a three-goalie rotation, but Lyon is making a strong argument to be the guy moving forward.
Offensively, the Sabres’ depth continues to be one of their biggest weapons. In their previous win over Nashville, it was the young guns-the Kid Line-who carried the load.
Against the Islanders, it was the veterans’ turn. Jason Zucker’s line, alongside Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn, led the way.
Zucker opened the scoring, McLeod picked up the primary assist, and the trio generated a team-high four high-danger chances, per Natural Stat Trick. That’s exactly the kind of production you want from a secondary line-guys who can tilt the ice and create real scoring threats.
With players like Josh Norris nearing a return from injury, head coach Lindy Ruff may soon have some tough decisions to make. The current line combinations are clicking, and the chemistry is obvious.
That also puts general manager Jarmo Kekalainen in an interesting position as the trade deadline approaches. The Sabres are showing they’ve got the pieces-and the depth-to make a push.
The only question now is whether they’ll add to this group or ride the momentum they’re building.
For now, Buffalo is rolling. They’re 18-2-1 and playing some of their best hockey of the season. And if they can cap this road trip with a win in Toronto, it’ll be another statement that this team is no longer just trying to hang on-they’re out to make noise.