The Buffalo Sabres won their first game of the season with an 8-4 victory over the visiting Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night. The Sabres had lost their first three contests to start the 25-26 slate and the win against the Sens came at a critical juncture.
The victory came against a divisional rival and the Sabres next five consecutive games will also be against Atlantic Division opponents. The slow start had seen Buffalo register just two goals scored in those first three match ups. Against the Sens, the team showed a resilience and intensity that had been absent so far this season.
“I thought we played with a lot more speed,” said winger Alex Tuch. “Alot more assertive honestly. We were just trying to have fun out there. I thought everyone was smiling, hooting and hollaring. Alot of energy, it was contagious. You could feel it on the bench. Even when stuff was going wrong, guys were taking accountability and they were trying to go out there and be better next shift. No one was perfect out there tonight.
I thought we were all working for each other and that’s what makes it easy. We’re able to help each other and make up for mistakes and ended up turning a lot of it into offense too.”
That offense led to an eight goal outburst and two points in the standings. Winger Zach Benson saw his first action of the season and provided a much needed spark and a three assist performance.
“I’m not gonna make excuses but we*ve been hit hard with injuries,” said head coach Lindy Ruff. “Getting Benson back was a big plus. I think we all saw that tonight what a difference it made for us. That’s getting one player back. We*ll be better when we get one or two of of our *D”(defensemen) back. We’ll be a better team then too.”
It‘s just one victory and Buffalo must guard against a return to the uninspired play that marked the first three games of the season.
“You still have to fight your way through tough parts of the season.” Ruff said “Our fight wasn’t good enough in the first three games. I don’t care whether we’re hurt or not. We didn’t earn enough and we didn’t deserve enough and we didn’t fight enough. I thought tonight we fought for everything we got.”
The Sabres will have to build on the much needed win to move up in the standings and work their way into the playoff conversation.
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