Outside of the search for Connor Sheary’s lost tooth, there was little drama or excitement in the Sabres’ first preseason game, a 4–1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
There are high hopes for the Buffalo Sabres heading into the 2026–27 season. After last year’s breakthrough, when potential finally translated into performance and the team ended its 14-year playoff drought, the Sabres hope to build on that success and establish themselves as a consistent playoff contender.
Still, several important questions remain. The team must find a way to replace the offensive and penalty-killing contributions of former captain Alex Tuch, who was moved in a sign-and-trade deal during the offseason. Buffalo also needs to replace the blue-line production of Bowen Byram, who was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for the fourth overall draft pick and towering defenseman Louis Crevier. Byram scored a hat trick in his first preseason game with Chicago.
The goaltending situation is another major storyline. Will the Sabres use a three-goaltender rotation, or will one player emerge as the clear starter?
Tuesday’s opening exhibition game offered few answers, as most of Buffalo’s lineup consisted of players expected to spend the season with the Rochester Americans.
Jake Richard scored Buffalo’s only goal, firing a power-play shot home from the top of the circle late in the second period. Alex Lyon started the game and allowed three goals on 19 shots through the first 40 minutes. Colton Ellis replaced him in the third period and stopped all eight shots he faced.
The Sabres continue their preseason schedule Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
