Sabres snap 0-3 season start with 8-4 win over Senators

The Buffalo Sabres notched their first win of the season with an 8-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night at KeyBank Center, rallying from an early deficit and converting on special teams to break open a game that swung repeatedly in momentum. Jack Quinn, Ryan McLeod and Jason Zucker each scored twice as Buffalo overcame a rough start to its season and a late push from Ottawa.

Ottawa, playing without captain Brady Tkachuk, controlled much of the early play and drew the game's first power play. Buffalo struck first when Quinn redirected a puck that caromed off the end boards and into the net, a goal that bounced off Senators backup goalie Leevi Merilainen. Tim Stutzle then tied the game for Ottawa, and Jake Sanderson later converted on a power play to give the Senators a lead in the second period.

The Sabres turned the game late in the second, however, when Ryan McLeod scored short handed after a Merilainen turnover behind the net and Alex Tuch followed with a rebound goal to put Buffalo ahead. Buffalo then cashed in repeatedly on the man advantage, with Jason Zucker scoring on back-to-back power plays. Buffalo carried a 5-2 lead into the third period.