A Game to Forget as Sabres Crush Bolts 6-2

Photo Credit: Alyssa Shimko | Thunderstruck Sports

This was a game the Lightning would like to forget. The Bolts started of the post-Olympic stretch on a high note with an impressive win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The following night, they suffered an understandable loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Carolina, one of the top teams in the league, was well-rested, while Tampa had to travel for a back-to-back. But tonight was supposed to be a night for redemption—coming back home to face a Buffalo Sabres team on the back end of a back-to-back. Unfortunately, this game was anything but a redemption.

A First Period to Forget

The Lightning had their chances in the opening frame but could not capitalize. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was strong in net when he had to be. On the other hand, Andrei Vasilevskiy, who had brilliant over the Lightning’s stretch since December 20^th, struggled to make key saves. The Bolts’ defense was not crisp, and they gave up too many quality chances. In recent weeks, Vasy has bailed his team out for any defensive miscues. Tonight, he could not. Just over five minutes in, Rasmus Dahlin scored his 12^th of the season to open the scoring. Less than a minute later, Josh Norris made it 2-0 for the visitors. Just about two minutes after that, Norris scored again to widen the lead to 3-0. To round out the period, Tage Thompson tallied his 32^nd of the season at 15:06 to make it 4-0. While the Lightning struggled all around that period, MoneyPuck.com had the Sabres at 0.68 expected goals, so clearly, it was not Vasy’s night. It was truly a night the Lightning would like to forget.

A Surprise Goalie Pull

In the second period, Lightning fans saw a true rarity. When the Sabres scored their 5^th goal under two minutes in, Andrei Vasilevskiy skated to the bench, and Jonas Johansson came in to take over in net. Bolts fans know that Coach Jon Cooper is not one to pull his goaltender even when he is clearly having an off night. When Cooper does pull his goalie, it’s unlikely because he blames the goalie for the performance—it’s more likely an attempt to give his team a spark.

After a shaky outing in Carolina Thursday night, Johansson was excellent in relief tonight. The Sabres peppered him with shots, and he saved all 16 of them (after Vasilevskiy had stopped just 9 of 14).

With the period winding down, the Lightning did get onto the scoreboard! Dominic James notched his 8th of the season from Bjorkstand and Hedman to make it 5-1.

Distinct Kicking Motions?

It was certainly a game to forget for the Lightning as they began the third period. But they kept up the fight. They got an early power play opportunity and quickly scored on it. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored as the puck deflected off his skate while he was being taken down by a slew foot in front of the Buffalo net. The goal was reviewed, and called back for a "distinct kicking motion." Needless to say, fans did not agree with the call. Even some Sabres fans voiced their displeasure on social media. Jake Guentzel also voiced his displeasure on the ice, and for that, he was assessed a minor penalty and a game misconduct. With the Lightning power play nullified, Buffalo scored on the four on four to take a 6-1 lead.

Later, Hedman did get the goal back for the Lightning with his first of the season.

It was the first loss of 2026 at home for the Lightning. They see their lead in the division shrink to just 4 points over the second place Sabres, but the Bolts still have two games in hand.

Three Stars

1. Josh Norris-- 2 goals

2. Rasmus Dahlin-- 1 goal, 2 assists

3. Zach Metsa-- 1 goal, 1 assist

Up Next

The Bolts head out for a four-game road trip beginning Tuesday night in Minnesota. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30pm.