3 Takeaways From the Sabres’ 3-2 Win Over the Wild

Though the opening-night loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets wasn’t ideal, the team got back on track with a thrilling win at home against the Chicago Blackhawks. The slate is starting to get tougher, and the Sabres faced a tough opponent on Tuesday night in the form of the Minnesota Wild.

After a few questionable calls and a pair of quick goals by the Wild, it felt like maybe this wouldn’t be the Sabres’ night. Instead, they battled back and took the extra point in overtime, beating the Wild 3-2 in a thrilling game.

The Ascension of Owen Power

The biggest takeaway is that Owen Power has arrived. He started fulfilling the tremendous promise he’s had since being selected first overall in the 2021 NHL Draft last season, and it has carried over into the beginning of the 2026-27 season.

He was excellent against the Wild, to say the least. Power played 29:04 on the night, assisting on the first goal for Buffalo and picking up the game-winner in overtime. He was plus-three as well and just looks comfortable controlling the play.

Though Rasmus Dahlin is “the guy” for the Sabres, Power has elevated his game in a way that can’t go unnoticed. With five points in his first three games, it looks like Power has put together all the pieces of the puzzle and is off to the races.

The Power Play is Still a Mess

The Sabres have been tinkering with their power play yet again in an effort to bolster a unit that has been one of the worst in the NHL the past few seasons. They have a lot of talented options to choose from, but things still aren’t clicking.

After an 0-for-2 effort against the Wild, the team is now 0-for-10 on the season and are just one of three teams yet to score with the man advantage. It has to be frustrating for a group with so many talented scorers and one of the league’s best point-men in Dahlin.

Zone entries have improved over last season, but the Sabres can’t ever find footing when it comes to setting up in the offensive zone. They need to find a way to counter more aggressive stickwork from penalty killers while making smart, patient plays with the puck.

Stick Taps to Colten Ellis

There have been concerns about the current state of Buffalo’s goaltending. Alex Lyon is out with a shoulder injury and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has looked spotty, at best, in his two starts so far this season. Thankfully, Colten Ellis provides them with another solid option.

One year ago, the Sabres took a swing by claiming Ellis off waivers and he has paid dividends. Against the Wild, he wasn’t spectacular, but he didn’t need to be. And other than the second goal by Maxim Shabanov, he was very solid and came up with saves when he needed to.

The Sabres keep hoping that Luukkonen will emerge as their No.1 but that doesn’t feel like it is going to happen. Thankfully, they have three goalies they can feel confident turning to at a moment’s notice, and Ellis delivered for them against Minnesota.

A Good Litmus Test

The Sabres are being tasked with playing in midseason form early thanks to a tough start. They have the struggling Dallas Stars, Utah Mammoth, and the battered Florida Panthers all coming to town between Thursday and Monday. It will be a good chance to continue building momentum and show that they aren’t going anywhere after a breakout 2025-26 season.

The Sabres continue to fight and there is never a time when they feel out of it. Even after the slew of penalties and a pair of Wild goals, they worked hard, fought back, and got the two points. That is now what Sabres hockey is about.