Sharks Overpower Sabres in 6-2 Victory at KeyBank Center

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The San Jose Sharks defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6-2 at KeyBank Center on March 5, 2025, showcasing a strong offensive performance with six different players scoring. This victory marks San Jose’s second consecutive win after an eight-game losing streak.

The game began slowly, with neither team finding the net in the first period. The Sharks had a pair of power-play opportunities but failed to capitalize. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the Sabres’ goaltender, made 11 saves, while Buffalo managed just five shots on goal in the opening frame.

Timothy Liljegren broke the deadlock for San Jose just over a minute into the second period with his sixth goal of the season. The goal was initially waved off but was confirmed after a video review showed the puck fully crossed the goal line.

Buffalo responded at the 5:12 mark of the second period with JJ Peterka scoring his 18th goal of the season on a power play, assisted by Rasmus Dahlin and Jack Quinn. This goal leveled the score at 1-1.

Nico Sturm quickly regained the lead for the Sharks, scoring his seventh goal of the season just before the second period ended. His goal came from a shot that found the back of the net with less than two minutes remaining, aided by Collin Graf and Klim Kostin.

The third period saw the Sharks continue their offensive surge. William Eklund extended their lead to 3-1 at 2:19 with his 13th goal of the season, followed closely by Tage Thompson bringing Buffalo back within one, netting his 30th goal shortly thereafter.

Macklin Celebrini restored San Jose’s two-goal advantage at 4-2 only a minute after Thompson’s goal, capitalizing on a chance that found the net at 7:58. Will Smith then scored again for the Sharks at 12:49, pushing the score to 5-2. Tyler Toffoli sealed the Sharks’ victory with an empty-net goal at 18:01, marking his 24th of the season.

San Jose’s coach, Ryan Warsofsky, praised his team’s tenacity, stating, “No one takes a shift off no matter what the score is. We’re never gonna stop and we’re gonna keep playing.”

Despite the loss, Sabres’ coach Lindy Ruff expressed disappointment, saying, “Too many passengers… Our puck play was awful.”

The Sabres now hold a record of 24-30-5 and are winless in their last four games, while the Sharks improve to 17-37-9.

Looking ahead, the Sabres will face the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 7 at Amalie Arena. Pregame coverage begins at 6 p.m. on WGR Sports Radio 550.