Buffalo Sabres
3 Takeaways from Sabres Victory Over Stars

The Buffalo Sabres played their best game of the season in a 4-2 defeat of the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. The victory was a statement game for the Sabres, who, on top of great goaltending, got contributions from three of its four lines.
It took until the second period, but the Sabres opened the scoring with their fourth line. Peyton Krebs watched a point shot flip off the crossbar, waited for it to come down far enough, then proceeded to bat it in from mid-air. Ryan McLeod followed it up by finishing a nice pass from Jason Zucker on a two-on-one.
The Sabres were determined not to repeat the shocker of a third period against the Los Angeles Kings earlier this season and struck again early in the third. Tage Thompson gained the zone, left the puck for Owen Power, and immediately teed up the return pass for a one-timer.
The Stars pulled the goalie in favor of the extra attacker with over five minutes left in the third and found goals from Thomas Harley and Tyler Seguin to make it interesting. In the end, the Sabres survived the storm and capped it off with an Alex Tuch empty-netter.
Luukkonen Stellar in Net
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has strung together two very strong performances after a mediocre start to the season. He was outstanding against the Stars, saving 1.3 goals above expected per Evolving-Hockey.
Although his shutout bid was foiled, the Finnish netminder was timely in his saves and solid throughout. If this continues and the Sabres can right the ship in other facets, they’ll start to turn the season around.
McLeod Line is Gelling
When Ryan McLeod was acquired in the offseason, the book on him was speed and defense. In an earlier Buffalo Hockey Now article, hints of offensive upside were also pointed out. With his goal, McLeod now has four goals and five points in the last five games.
His linemates, Jason Zucker and Jordan Greenway, help form what is not only a capable shutdown line, but they’re also becoming a dangerous scoring threat as well.
Related:Â Evaluating Newest Sabres Forward Ryan McLeod
Thompson is Bordering on Elite Status
Thompson has five goals and three assists in eight games for the Sabres after Tuesday’s win against the Stars. He’s showing true number-one center characteristics, including elite scoring and the ability to take over a game.
He was Buffalo’s best player against Chicago, and again against Dallas. In fact, he has been their best player all season. A very encouraging sign after a down year in 2023-2024.