Sabres and Lightning Brawl in Atlantic Division Showdown

Penalty-filled game sees multiple fights as teams battle for division lead

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning, tied for first place in the Atlantic Division, engaged in a physical and penalty-filled matchup on Sunday. The game featured multiple fights, including a rare bout for Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin, as the teams combined for 98 penalty minutes through the second period. The Sabres took a 4-3 lead, with Josh Doan and Alex Tuch scoring power-play goals, as the rivalry between the two teams continued to heat up.

Why it matters

The game highlighted the intensity of the battle for the Atlantic Division lead, with the Sabres looking to end their playoff drought and the Lightning seeking to maintain their dominance in the division. The physical play and fights also showcased the growing rivalry between the two teams, which could foreshadow an intense playoff matchup if they both make the postseason.

The details

The game started with a fight between Dahlin and Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh after a hit from behind by Brandon Hagel on Tage Thompson. This led to a five-on-three power play for the Sabres, which they were unable to convert. Later in the first period, Sam Carrick and Scott Sabourin fought, and Peyton Krebs and Hagel also dropped the gloves. The second period saw more fisticuffs, with Kesselring and Cernak, as well as Malenstyn and Perry, exchanging blows. Hagel then took a double-minor for roughing Dahlin, leading to another Sabres power-play goal.

  • The game took place on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • The first fight occurred just five minutes into the game.
  • The Sabres took a 1-0 lead at the 8:20 mark of the first period.
  • The Sabres and Lightning combined for 98 penalty minutes through the second period.
  • The teams will play again in early April.

The players

Rasmus Dahlin

The captain of the Buffalo Sabres, who was involved in a rare fight during the game.

Brandon Hagel

A Tampa Bay Lightning player who was at the center of multiple incidents, including a hit from behind and a double-minor for roughing.

Josh Doan

A Buffalo Sabres player who scored a power-play goal to give the Sabres a 1-0 lead.

Alex Tuch

A Buffalo Sabres player who scored a power-play goal to give the Sabres a 3-0 lead.

Logan Stanley

A defenseman acquired by the Sabres at the trade deadline, known for sticking up for his teammates.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I know there's still some hockey to be played, but I think (the Lightning) come back early April. That will be fun, too.”

— Logan Stanley, Sabres defenseman (nytimes.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Sabres and Lightning will face off again in early April, which could lead to another physical and heated matchup as the teams continue to battle for the Atlantic Division lead.

The takeaway

This game showcased the growing rivalry between the Sabres and Lightning, with the teams combining for 98 penalty minutes through the second period. The Sabres' additions at the trade deadline, such as Logan Stanley, indicate they are preparing for more physical games like this as they push for their first playoff berth since 2011.