The Buffalo Sabres came from behind to defeat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in a tight game on Tuesday night at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center. The loss was especially tough because it kicked off the Senators’ Dads Trip. Despite strong games from Brady Tkachuk and David Perron, the Senators could not hold an early lead and fell to the Sabres.
On the Sabres’ side, the win was a milestone for head coach Lindy Ruff. It marked his 600th career victory with the franchise, making him only the second coach in NHL history to achieve this feat with one team. The Senators suffered a crucial loss that could hurt their playoff push. Right now, they’re above the line. However, winning would make things a bit less tense. Although the Sabres will not grab a playoff spot, they’re doing their best to become spoilers for other teams’ postseason plans.
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Ottawa started strong with Tkachuk’s power-play goal just 1:35 into the game. Perron’s second-period goal briefly gave them a 2-1 lead. However, in the third, the Sabres roared back with goals from Jack Quinn, former Senator Jacob Bernard-Docker, and finally the game-winner from 35-goal-scorer Tage Thompson. Despite solid goaltending from Anton Forsberg, the Senators couldn’t come back from Thompson’s late marker.
Item One: Brady Tkachuk Scored an Early Goal
Tkachuk’s impact was immediate on Tuesday night. The team captain opened the scoring with his 29th goal of the season in the first period. As banged up as he is, Tkachuk’s leadership on and off the ice was evident throughout the game.
The Senators’ captain is a warrior. His work in front of the net was key to setting the tone for the Senators’ power play, and his physicality continues to be an asset. Although the Senators couldn’t hold their lead, Tkachuk’s relentless work ethic remains one of the bright spots in the loss.
Item Two: David Perron Scored Again on the Power Play
After a poor start to the campaign, Perron seems to have found his stride. He played another standout game, putting up his seventh goal of the season on a power play. As noted, the goal briefly gave the Senators a 2-1 lead.
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While some of Perron’s goals have come off fortuitous bounces, this goal was well-earned. It came off a well-executed play with assists from Ridly Greig and Claude Giroux. Perron showed his veteran composure when he lifted the puck over veteran goalie James Reimer’s shoulder.
Although it was a tough loss, Perron’s offensive contributions are growing more vital to his new team. He is becoming more confident and comfortable at the right time. If the Senators make the postseason, which I believe they will, his veteran presence could be a good sign for them as they head into the season’s final stretch.
Item Four: Anton Forsberg Was Solid, But Couldn’t Take Home the Win
Goalie Anton Forsberg made 21 saves in the loss but couldn’t make the key stops at critical times. While he faced only 24 shots, some were tough. Forsberg made one crucial save on a two-on-one early in the third period to keep the game within reach.
However, he was beaten by Thompson’s game-winner early in the final frame. Forsberg’s performance was solid, but it still wasn’t enough to take home the win. While Linus Ullmark is the clear number-one goalie in Ottawa, the Senators can’t give him every game. Forsberg also needs him to step up if the Senators are to continue their playoff push.
What’s Next for the Senators?
The Senators’ loss to the Sabres might have cost them points in their race for a playoff spot. That said, their postseason hopes remain alive. Still, the team needs to win.
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Ottawa will try to bounce back tomorrow when they visit the Detroit Red Wings for their final meeting of 2024-25. Every point is precious. They’ll need contributions from more than Tkachuk and Perron if they are going to sail into the playoffs.
