Sabres Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines — Owen Power Breakout, Penalty Kill Struggles & More

Here are the Buffalo Sabres news, rumors and latest updates for the week of Oct. 19 – Oct. 25, 2026.

Owen Power Breakout

Owen Power is off to an excellent start for the Sabres. Through the first nine games, he’s put up eight points (two goals, six assists), but his impact goes well beyond the stat sheet. When Rasmus Dahlin went down with an injury during Buffalo’s 5–3 win over the Florida Panthers on Oct. 12, Power was asked to take on Dahlin’s role, and he’s more than delivered. He’s averaging 26:45 of ice time per game, the second‑highest mark in the NHL, and those minutes are meaningful.

It’s not just the offense. Power has been strong defensively, too. He’s never going to be a heavy, punishing hitter, but he’s consistently in the right spots, boxes out effectively, and clears the front of the net to give his goaltender clean looks. His reads have been sharp, his transitions smooth, and his overall presence steady.

It’s only nine games into the season, but Power is making a name for himself. He’s showing exactly why the Sabres were confident taking him first overall in 2021, and why he’s quickly becoming one of the most important players on their roster.

Jack Quinn Breakout

Jack Quinn is off to a terrific start this season and is on his way to a breakout season. He’s recorded nine points (five goals, four assists) and sits tied with Tage Thompson for the team lead in both goals and points. He’s taken his game to another level, and it all stems from confidence. Whenever the puck is on his stick, he looks decisive, composed, and fully aware of how to create offense. His shot has become a real weapon, and he’s using it with purpose.

Physically, he’s taken a noticeable step forward, bigger, stronger, faster, and smarter. The growth in his game is showing up everywhere: in his pace, board battles, ability to attack defenders, and finishing touch. At his current pace, he’s tracking toward 46 goals, and a 40‑goal season is absolutely within reach. Quinn looks like a player ready to break out in a major way, and he’s proving why the Sabres have always believed in his upside.

Penalty Kill Struggles

The Sabres have allowed at least one power‑play goal in eight of their first nine games, which means opponents have scored on the man advantage in 88.8 percent of Buffalo’s games so far. That’s a massive drop from last season, when the team allowed a power‑play goal in only 30 percent of their games. Right now, their penalty kill sits at 60 percent, a number that would go down as the worst in NHL history if it held.

It’s still very early, so the percentage is likely to rise, but the impact has been obvious. In eight of their nine games, the Sabres have fallen behind by two goals, and a major reason is their inability to shut down opposing power plays. Until the PK stabilizes, they’re going to keep putting themselves in difficult situations.

Injury Updates

Jason Zucker (sports hernia) is expected to make his season debut on Oct. 21 when the Sabres host the Philadelphia Flyers. He has been skating with the team for the past couple of weeks and participated in Saturday’s morning skate.

Matt Grzelcyk, signed just before the season, has been out since Oct. 13 with what Lindy Ruff called a “lower‑body flare‑up.” He’s considered day‑to‑day.

Dahlin suffered an upper‑body injury on Oct. 12 against the Panthers and is also listed as day‑to‑day. Ruff said on Oct. 17 that Dahlin has resumed skating, and the team will monitor his progress over the next few days.

Alex Lyon exited the preseason game on Sept. 24 with a shoulder injury and was initially expected to return on Tuesday, Oct. 13, against the Canadiens. However, he recently experienced a setback, leaving his return timetable uncertain.

Upcoming Schedule

• Wednesday, Oct. 21 vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:30 pm ET
• Saturday, Oct. 24 @ Washington Capitals @ 7:00 pm ET