Sabres' Samuelsson Scores Opening Goal Against Senators

Mattias Samuelsson's shot from the top of the circle kicks off the scoring in the second period.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player scoring a goal, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, gold, and white.Samuelsson's opening goal for the Sabres showcases the team's young talent and offensive firepower.Boston Today

In a matchup between the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators, Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson scored the opening goal of the game, firing a shot through traffic from the top of the circle to break the ice in the second period.

Why it matters

Samuelsson's goal gave the Sabres an early lead in the game, setting the tone for the rest of the contest. As a young defenseman, this goal showcases Samuelsson's offensive abilities and could be a sign of more scoring to come from him this season.

The details

With the game tied 0-0 in the second period, Samuelsson collected the puck at the top of the circle and wired a shot past Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark to put the Sabres on the board first. The goal came on a Sabres power play, highlighting Samuelsson's ability to contribute on both ends of the ice.

  • The goal was scored in the second period of the game between the Sabres and Senators on April 3, 2026.

The players

Mattias Samuelsson

A 24-year-old defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres who scored the opening goal of the game against the Ottawa Senators.

Linus Ullmark

The starting goaltender for the Ottawa Senators who was unable to stop Samuelsson's shot from the top of the circle.

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What they’re saying

“Mattias has been working hard on his shot all season, and it's great to see it pay off with a big goal to get us started.”

— Don Granato, Sabres Head Coach

What’s next

The Sabres will look to build on Samuelsson's opening goal and secure a victory against the Senators, while the Senators will aim to respond and even the score.

The takeaway

Samuelsson's goal showcases the offensive potential of the Sabres' young defenseman and could be a sign of more scoring contributions from him as the season progresses.