Sabres Struggles On Home Ice Are Costly

Through the first 15 games of the 2026-27 National Hockey League regular season, the Buffalo Sabres have collected 17 points; however, the club has been unable to establish a home-ice advantage at KeyBank Center.

Buffalo’s home record sits at a disappointing mark of 3-4-0 so far, netting just 15 goals in those contests. Despite posting an overall record of 7-5-3, the Sabres find themselves in a last-place tie with the Detroit Red Wings at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings.

Buffalo has delivered solid performances on the road, holding an impressive 4-1-3 total fueled by three consecutive wins on a California trip.

Leading scorer Tage Thompson is off to an outstanding start with ten goals, and winger Jack Quinn has added eight. The numbers drop significantly from there, and the Sabres sorely miss the scoring provided by the departed Alex Tuch.

Tuch’s absence is being felt beyond the score sheet. The 30-year old versatile forward was an important aspect of both special teams units.

In addition, Tuch provided strong veteran locker room leadership.

The Sabres are within striking distance of a postseason berth, but righting the ship on home ice would go a long way toward keeping the team in the playoff chase.

The focus on winning games at home must begin now as Buffalo’s next three games will be on home ice. Starting on time and getting back to basics will be key as the Sabres look to move up in the Eastern Conference standings.

“Just our starts, “ Forward Peyton Krebs said. “Making sure we’re ready to go on puck drop. Our compete, simple hockey. We want to do well for our fans and maybe we try to be a little too fancy. Don’t get pucks on net early and deep. That’s something Lindy’s (head coach Lindy Ruff) been preaching, and we’ve got to stick with it if we want to win hockey games.