Thatcher Demko made 12 saves for Vancouver in his return from a lower-body injury he suffered on Nov. 11.
The Canucks were without star centre Elias Pettersson, who missed a second straight game with an upper-body injury.
Takeaways
Canucks: Sasson gave the home side a 2-1 lead 6:15 into the second, but Buffalo levelled the score, then pulled ahead. Third-period comebacks have been hard to come by for Vancouver this season, with the team going 1-13-0 when they trail heading into the final frame.
Sabres: Were missing offensive powerhouse Alex Tuch due to illness. The right-winger was tied with Thompson for the team lead in points (26) heading into the game. Trevor Kuntar slotted into the lineup, making his NHL debut one day after signing a one-year, two-way contract with Buffalo.
Key moment
Stationed above the hash marks, Benson blasted a shot in past Demko to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead with a power-play goal 14:46 into the second.
Key stat
Sherwood scored 19:49 into the opening frame to snap a 10-game goal drought. The bruising winger leads the Canucks in scoring with 13 goals on the season.
Up next
Canucks: Kick off a five-game road swing Sunday against the New Jersey Devils.
Sabres: Visit the Kraken in Seattle on Sunday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2025.
Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press