BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a thrilling NHL clash, Tage Thompson netted the decisive goal just 1:23 into the third period, propelling the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday evening. Highlighting the night, Lindy Ruff etched his name in the record books by becoming only the second coach in NHL history to achieve 600 wins with a single franchise.
Credit for Buffalo’s performance also goes to Jack Quinn and Jacob Bernard-Docker, who each found the back of the net. James Reimer was solid between the pipes, making 30 saves to secure consecutive wins for the first time this season. Now in his second tenure with Buffalo, Ruff’s coaching record with the team stands at 600-467-90, including 78 ties.
Ruff’s milestone win places him just behind Al Arbor, who claimed 740 victories managing the New York Islanders.
For Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk and David Perron delivered power-play goals. Despite Anton Forsberg’s 21 saves, the Senators were unable to hold onto two separate one-goal leads.
In summary, the loss came as a setback for the Senators, who could not capitalize on their encounter with the East’s last-placed Sabres. With aspirations of ending a seven-year playoff absence, Ottawa had entered the day in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, four points ahead of Montreal.
Buffalo, on the other hand, continued to upset potential playoff teams, having recently defeated the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets 5-3.
A pivotal moment in the matchup occurred when Zach Benson skilfully evaded a check from Fabian Zetterlund, retaining puck control behind Ottawa’s net. He executed a pinpoint pass to Thompson, who slipped the puck past Forsberg to break the 2-2 deadlock.
Notably contributing from Ottawa, Dylan Cozens assisted Tkachuk’s goal, continuing his hot streak with points in eight out of nine games since joining the Senators from Buffalo.
Looking ahead, the Senators will complete a three-game road trip in Detroit on Thursday, while the Sabres prepare to face off against Pittsburgh at home the same day.