Feb 5, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Tommy Novak (18) reacts after scoring goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Score: Penguins 5 | Sabres 2
Shots: PIT 32 | BUF 28
Buffalo Sabres Goals:
Zucker (McLeod, Byram)
Thompson (Quinn, Dahlin) (PP)
Pittsburgh Penguins Goals:
Hayes (Solovyov, McGroarty)
Hayes (Mantha, Wotherspoon)
Kindel (Unassisted)
Novak (Chinakhov, Malkin)
Kindel (Dewar) (SH) (EN)
Final Thoughts
This was a rough game for Buffalo. They were sloppy with the puck and lacked the connectivity we’ve come to expect from their game. Pittsburgh took advantage of some gifts to gain the advantage in this one. Three of the Penguins non-empty net goals were a direct result of a glaring mistake by Buffalo. Avery Hayes outskated Bryson for his first career goal on the ensuing breakaway. Kindel scored on a 2-1 rush after Bryson wiped out at the offensive blue line. Novak scored in front after Byram’s breakout pass was picked off. Even with the loss, Buffalo remains in the first wild card spot heading into the Olympic break. They are 5 points up on Columbus and Washington outside the playoff picture and are two points behind both Montreal and Detroit for 2nd and 3rd in the division respectively. They have put themselves in a great position to end the drought. Hopefully, they can return from this two-and-a-half-week break with some key players returning and ready for the final stretch of the regular season.