Sabres Stun Lightning in Comeback Victory

Buffalo overcomes 6-1 deficit to beat Tampa Bay 8-7 and take first place in the Atlantic Division

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Buffalo Sabres overcame a 6-1 deficit to the Tampa Bay Lightning, scoring four unanswered goals in the third period to win 8-7 and take over first place in the Atlantic Division. The game featured a wild comeback, with the Sabres scoring three goals in just 4:40 to erase a 7-5 Lightning lead and secure the victory in front of a raucous home crowd.

Why it matters

The Sabres' thrilling comeback win over the Lightning not only vaulted them into first place in the division, but also showcased the team's resilience and never-say-die attitude. After falling behind early, the Sabres refused to give up and mounted an impressive rally to stun their division rivals and delight their long-suffering fans.

The details

Buffalo jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but Tampa Bay then scored six unanswered goals to take a 6-3 advantage. However, the Sabres stormed back in the third period, with Rasmus Dahlin, Jason Zucker, and Josh Doan all scoring to tie the game at 7-7. Doan's goal with just over 4 minutes remaining completed the comeback and gave Buffalo the lead for good. The game featured 102 total penalty minutes, including five fights, as the teams battled intensely for first place.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • Buffalo jumped out to a 3-0 lead early in the game.
  • Tampa Bay then scored six unanswered goals to take a 6-3 advantage.
  • The Sabres scored four unanswered goals in the third period to win 8-7.
  • Josh Doan scored the game-winning goal for Buffalo with just over 4 minutes remaining.

The players

Brendon Hagel

A Tampa Bay Lightning player who was involved in a physical altercation with Rasmus Dahlin in the second period.

Rasmus Dahlin

A Buffalo Sabres defenseman who scored a key goal in the third period to help fuel the comeback.

Ryan McLeod

A Buffalo Sabres player who made a perfect stretch pass to set up Jason Zucker's game-tying goal in the third period.

Jason Zucker

A Buffalo Sabres forward who scored two goals, including the game-tying goal in the third period.

Josh Doan

A Buffalo Sabres forward who scored the game-winning goal with just over 4 minutes remaining in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“For sure we could not have done this without the crowd we had, they kept us in the game the whole match and it was an unbelievable atmosphere in here and I think my top experience.”

— Rasmus Dahlin

“This is why I play hockey, this is the best part, it's just finally! Finally we're here and we're doing good things, so I don't take this for granted at all, I'm so fired up, I'm so happy for Buffalo as a city for all the fans too and this means the world.”

— Rasmus Dahlin

What’s next

The Sabres have a power play goal in 10-of-13 games and are eighth in the league at 27.7% during that stretch. They will look to continue their hot streak when they host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Sabres' thrilling comeback victory over the Lightning showcased the team's resilience and never-give-up attitude, delighting their long-suffering fans and vaulting them into first place in the Atlantic Division. This game will be remembered as a classic in Buffalo sports history.