Sabres Hold Off Predators Behind Helenius’ Breakout, Youth Movement Keeps Buffalo in the Hunt
The Buffalo Sabres needed a bounce-back. After a narrow loss to the Hurricanes and the tough news that center Josh Norris is now week-to-week with an injury, Buffalo rolled into Nashville looking to right the ship. And while it wasn’t always pretty, the Sabres did what they needed to do-grinding out a 5-3 win on the road that showed both promise and lingering concerns.
Let’s start with the good. Actually, let’s start with the great-Konsta Helenius.
Helenius Makes a Statement in Game Two
You don’t get many first impressions in the NHL, but Helenius is making the most of his. Just one night after debuting in Carolina, the 2024 first-round pick announced himself in a big way against the Predators.
He was all over the ice-picking up assists on Buffalo’s first two goals and then burying his first career NHL tally with a laser past Juuse Saros. Three points, a +2 rating, and just under 15 minutes of ice time. Not bad for your second night on the job.
What stood out wasn’t just the production-it was the poise. Helenius looked like he belonged, making smart plays in transition and showing off the kind of offensive instincts that get you drafted in the first round. Whether he sticks in the lineup once the Sabres get healthier remains to be seen, but performances like this make a strong case.
Early Dominance, Late Nerves
The Sabres came out flying in this one. Up 3-0 after the first period and stretching it to 4-0 early in the second, it looked like they were going to cruise to an easy win. But if you’ve watched this team this season, you know it’s rarely that simple.
Within a blink-just 1:45 of game time-the Predators struck twice, cutting the lead in half and swinging momentum in a big way. When former Sabre Ryan O’Reilly netted his second goal midway through the third, suddenly a four-goal cushion had shrunk to one, and the Sabres were clinging on.
It took a late empty-netter from Peyton Krebs and a last-second highlight-reel save from Alex Lyon to finally seal it.
This has been a recurring theme for Buffalo. They start strong, build leads, and then let teams back into games.
That third-period goal differential-sitting at -6 on the season-is a red flag. The good news?
A few years ago, this is probably a game they lose. Now, they’re finding ways to close.
But if they want to make real noise down the stretch, they’ll need to tighten up late.
Youth Movement Powering the Push
This is still one of the youngest rosters in the NHL, and once again, it was the kids leading the charge.
Helenius stole the spotlight, but it was Noah Ostlund who lit the lamp early-scoring Buffalo’s first two goals of the night off Helenius feeds. The 21-year-old, picked 16th overall in 2022, has been steadily carving out a role this season. With nine goals and 17 points in 37 games, he’s showing signs of becoming a real playmaker at the NHL level.
Add in Josh Doan, Owen Power, and Bowen Byram-all 25 or younger-and you’ve got a core that’s not just developing, but contributing right now. For all the ups and downs in Buffalo’s rebuild, this young talent pipeline is starting to pay dividends.
Eyes on the Atlantic
This win couldn’t have come at a better time. With the Bruins taking a lopsided loss in Dallas, the Sabres now sit alone in the first wild card spot. But the real intrigue is in the Atlantic Division standings.
Buffalo is just four points back of the Canadiens for third place and five behind the Red Wings for second. Both teams are playing solid hockey, so the Sabres can’t afford to let up-but they’re right there.
And that’s the real story here. For the first time in a long time, Buffalo is playing meaningful hockey deep into the season. The pieces are coming together-young talent stepping up, veterans holding the line, and a team that’s learning how to win even when things get dicey.
There’s still work to do, especially when it comes to closing out games. But for now, the Sabres are in the mix, and that alone is a win worth celebrating in Buffalo.