The Buffalo Sabres hit the road for the first time in these playoffs after splitting the first two games at KeyBank Center. Even though the Sabres were the higher seed, they seemed to have more questions than the Bruins, particularly around their goaltending and their power play.
On Thursday night, they got a big answer for one of those, as the other still remains a concern. The Bruins opened the scoring in this game as Tanner Jeannot scored a little over three minutes into the second period.
However, the Sabres, for the first time these playoffs, didn't wait until the third period to start scoring as Bowen Byram tied it up in the second. In the third period, it was all Buffalo as Alex Tuch scored to give the Sabres the lead, and Noah Ostlund ended the night with an empty net goal.
These are some of the key takeaways from the game on Thursday night as the Buffalo Sabres take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Noah Ostlund wastes no time making an impact for the Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres were without Josh Norris for this game due to an injury, but fortunately were getting Noah Ostlund back to replace him in the lineup. The former first-round pick wasted no time making an impact in his first career playoff game as he set up Bowen Byram for the Sabres first goal of the game in the second period.
Insane pass from Noah Ostlund to Bo Byram for the goal! #LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/wKgSZekHjq
— y - Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) April 24, 2026
Ostlund showed incredible vision on the play as he carried the puck into the zone and down low. He was able to hold it until a lane opened up to get the puck to Byram, who didn't miss with the one-timer. He then sealed the win for the Sabres with a hustle play as he beat the Bruins down the ice to the puck to score the empty net goal late in the third.
Prior to Ostlund's injury on March 25th, the rookie forward was starting to heat up with seven points in 12 games. That momentum has seemingly carried over into the playoffs, and even once Josh Norris is back, the Sabres need to make sure he is in the lineup.
Buffalo Sabres power play units were better but still can't score a goal
The Buffalo Sabres once again were unable to score a power play goal after failing to convert on four opportunities in this game. They have now seen this drought stretch to 35 straight power play opportunities without a goal.
The Bruins have been one of the most penalized teams in the NHL this season, and they have certainly given the Sabres plenty of chances with the man advantage. However, the Sabres just can't seem to figure out a way to convert, as they had seven shots on goal in over 10 minutes of power play time.
Alex Lyon excellent in first playoff start this season
The pressure was on Lindy Ruff going into Game 3 to make the right decision in terms of who would start for the Sabres. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen started the first two games in this series but had a disastrous performance in Game 2 where he was pulled in the third period.
Meanwhile, Alex Lyon was really shaky over his final three regular season starts, but he seemingly forgot that and played like he did earlier this season. He finished the game allowing one goal on 25 shots with some huge saves in the first two periods that allowed the Sabres to come away with the win.
At this point, the Sabres should stick with the hot hand, and Lyon has earned another start for Game 4 against the Bruins on Sunday.