The Buffalo Sabres rolled into Nashville looking to snap a two-game skid, and they did just that-thanks to a surge of youthful energy that might just signal a new chapter for this team. In a 5-3 win over the Predators, it wasn’t the usual suspects like Tage Thompson leading the charge. Instead, it was the newly assembled “Kid Line” of Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund, and Zach Benson that stole the spotlight.
Let’s talk about that trio. Ostlund found the back of the net twice, Helenius notched his first NHL goal in just his second game, and Benson was buzzing all night.
Every time they hit the ice, they brought speed, pressure, and poise well beyond their years. It wasn’t just flash-it was structure, chemistry, and execution.
The line combined for six or seven shots on goal, consistently tilting the ice in Buffalo’s favor.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff didn’t hold back in his praise: “Best line by far,” he said postgame. “They skated well, made every play.
That’s the type of energy you need.” And in the second game of a back-to-back on the road, energy is often the difference between grinding out a win and letting one slip away.
Buffalo jumped out to a commanding 4-0 lead by the second period, riding the wave of that young line’s momentum. But this is the NHL-no lead is safe, especially on the road.
Nashville clawed back in the third, cutting the deficit to 4-3 and putting the pressure squarely on the Sabres to respond. That’s when Peyton Krebs iced it with an empty-netter, sealing the win and snapping the losing streak.
Goaltender Alex Lyon, making his first start since late December, was solid in net with 31 saves. He held strong when the Predators made their push, and his calm presence gave Buffalo the stability it needed down the stretch.
Ruff acknowledged the Sabres lost their structure at times, especially during Nashville’s comeback bid. “We got caught on a long shift,” he said.
“Intentions were good, but we didn’t manage the puck well enough, and that gave them momentum.” It’s a reminder that while the Sabres are starting to see contributions from their younger players, there’s still room to grow when it comes to closing out games.
As for the decision to put Helenius, Ostlund, and Benson together, Ruff made it clear-it’s about trust. “I think the world of Ostlund,” he said.
“How smart he’s been, the way he plays down low. You trust them to play, and if you keep getting thrown out there, you feel good about your game.”
And that’s exactly what this line did: they played with confidence, supported each other, and looked like they belonged. It takes three to make a line go, and these three were in sync all night.
This win doesn’t just stop the bleeding for the Sabres-it offers a glimpse into what could be. If this “Kid Line” continues to gel, Buffalo may have found a spark that could carry them deeper into the season.