Sabres Rally Past Panthers Behind Krebs’ Breakout, Lyon’s Steady Hand
The Buffalo Sabres aren’t in the habit of losing lately, but Saturday’s stumble against the Canadiens still left a mark. So when they hit the ice Monday night against the Florida Panthers, there was a clear sense of urgency - a need to reset the tone before the Olympic break.
Mission accomplished. The Sabres clawed their way back from an early deficit and grabbed a gutsy 5-3 win, snapping a five-game losing skid in Florida that had become a bit of a thorn in their side.
This one had a little bit of everything - adversity, resilience, and a breakout performance from a player who’s been grinding for his moment.
Peyton Krebs Seizes the Spotlight
Sometimes, hockey gives you a game that feels like a turning point for a player. Monday night might’ve been just that for Peyton Krebs. The 23-year-old forward hasn’t always been in the headlines, but he made sure his name was front and center in this one.
With Buffalo down 2-0 just six minutes in, head coach Lindy Ruff shuffled the lines, bumping Krebs up to the top unit. The move paid off almost instantly. Krebs scored and assisted before the first period was done, tying the game and injecting life into a team that looked like it might be in for another rough night in Sunrise.
But he wasn’t done.
Krebs finished with a goal, two assists, and a handful of key faceoff wins. And while the box score tells part of the story, his defensive work stood out even more.
His hustle play to set up Josh Doan’s game-sealing goal in the third? That was the kind of effort that wins over coaches - and games.
Ruff clearly trusted him in big moments, and Krebs delivered with what was easily his most complete performance in a Sabres sweater.
Resilience Continues to Define This Team
This isn’t the first time the Sabres have had to dig deep, and based on how this season’s gone, it won’t be the last. But what’s becoming clear is that this group doesn’t fold easily - even when the numbers say they should.
Buffalo was outshot 41-20. That’s not a typo.
Florida more than doubled their shot total. And yet, the Sabres found a way to win.
That’s not just luck - it’s a team that knows how to absorb pressure and make their chances count.
They’ve now posted a 22-10-3 record when being outshot, which tells you everything you need to know about their mentality. They bend, but they don’t break.
And when they do get their looks, they’re making them count. Alex Tuch has mentioned it before: this team isn’t always going to dominate the shot clock, but they know how to be efficient.
Monday night was a textbook example.
Alex Lyon Keeps Rolling
While the Sabres’ offense was opportunistic, Alex Lyon was the anchor holding it all together. After seeing his franchise-record win streak snapped against Montreal, the 33-year-old veteran bounced back in a big way, stopping 38 of 41 shots and keeping Florida at bay through some heavy pressure.
Lyon’s been a steady presence all season - a rock in a three-goalie rotation that’s sparked plenty of trade rumors. But if he keeps playing like this, it’s hard to imagine the Sabres letting him go anywhere.
He’s now 14-7-3 with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage that matches the best mark of his career. In a game where the Panthers controlled long stretches, Lyon was the difference-maker.
He’s not just holding the fort - he’s helping win games.
A Win That Carries Weight
This wasn’t just two points in the standings. It was a statement.
A bounce-back after a tough loss. A road win in a building that’s given them fits.
A game where depth players stepped up and the team’s identity - gritty, opportunistic, resilient - was on full display.
With Tampa Bay looming on Tuesday night, the Sabres have a chance to head into the Olympic break on a high note. More importantly, they’ve preserved the momentum they’ve been building over the past few weeks.
A three-game skid going into the break would’ve been a tough pill to swallow. Instead, they’ve put themselves in position to leapfrog Montreal and keep pace in a tight playoff race.
There’s still plenty of hockey left, but Monday night felt like more than just a midseason win. It was a reminder: this Sabres team doesn’t go quietly - and when the pieces click, they’re a tough out for anyone.