Sabres Win Home Opener 4-3 Against Blackhawks

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Buffalo defeated Chicago 4-3 in their home opener, with Jiri Kulich scoring the game-winning goal late in the third period. The win boosts Buffalo’s early-season momentum as they seek to improve from last year, while Chicago struggles to secure their first victory after three straight losses.

Buffalo secured a 4-3 victory over Chicago in their home opener on Sunday, with Jiri Kulich scoring the game-winning goal late in the third period. Kulich, returning after missing most of last season due to a blood clot, netted the decisive goal with 6:40 remaining, helping the Sabres build momentum early in the 2026-2027 NHL season.

Tage Thompson contributed a goal and an assist, while Jack Quinn and Rasmus Dahlin each added a goal for Buffalo. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 12 saves to preserve the lead and secure the win. The Sabres improved their overall standing with the victory, energizing their home crowd at KeyBank Center.

For the visiting Chicago Blackhawks, Ryan Donato, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Oliver Moore each scored, keeping the game competitive through the final minutes. Despite their offensive efforts, Chicago struggled defensively, conceding four goals. Defensemen Anton Frondell and Alex Vlasic recorded two assists apiece. Goaltender Spencer Knight faced 28 shots, stopping 24 but allowing four goals, as the Blackhawks dropped their third consecutive game to open the season.

The closely contested matchup highlighted Buffalo’s determination to rebound after a challenging previous season, while Chicago aims to find consistency as the new campaign unfolds. Both teams will look to build on this early-season experience as they continue their schedules.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.