The Buffalo Sabres secured their first victory of the 2025-26 NHL season on Wednesday night, triumphing over the Ottawa Senators with a score of 8-4. This match showcased notable performances, particularly from forward Zach Benson, who registered four assists in his season debut. Josh Doan, part of the recent JJ Peterka trade, also shined with three assists, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Zach Benson and Josh Doan Lead the Way
Benson’s performance was a highlight of the game, as he proved instrumental in generating offense. After being a top-10 draft pick, his impact was anticipated, and he did not disappoint. Meanwhile, Doan, who came alongside Michael Kesselring in the trade, demonstrated his potential by actively contributing to the Sabres’ scoring chances.
Strong Contributions from Other Forwards
The Sabres’ offense didn’t rely solely on Benson and Doan. Several players had standout performances:
- Ryan McLeod scored two goals.
- Jason Zucker also netted two goals.
- Jack Quinn contributed with two goals, illustrating his growth and potential for the season.
Future Prospects for the Sabres
On the Thursday episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, analysts discussed the implications of this victory for the Sabres. Tyler Yaremchuk emphasized the importance of consistent performances from the team’s top players in their bid to remain competitive.
Yaremchuk pointed out that if Benson continues to develop into a pivotal player and Doan fulfills expectations as a significant contributor, the Sabres could see substantial improvement this season. With potential performance metrics indicating Benson could achieve between 60 to 70 points and Doan around 50 points, optimism is emerging in Buffalo.
Supporting Cast
The Sabres also have a solid supporting cast, including:
- Rasmus Dahlin
- Tage Thompson
- Alex Tuch
- Jordan Greenway, contributing defensively
As the season progresses, the synergy among these players might be the key to breaking the team’s history of mediocrity.
Observers are keen to see if this performance marks the beginning of a resurgence for the Buffalo Sabres, paving the way for competitive play throughout the remainder of the season.
