Buffalo Sabres Goalie Colton Ellis Earns First NHL Shutout

Rookie netminder makes 37 saves in 5-0 win over Columbus Blue Jackets

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:27am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic motion and emotion of a hockey goaltender making a save, with the player's face and jersey dissolved into unrecognizable splatters of paint.A dynamic expressionist painting captures the raw energy and intensity of a Buffalo Sabres goaltender's game-saving moment.Columbus Today

The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-0 on Thursday night, with rookie goaltender Colton Ellis earning his first career NHL shutout. Ellis stopped all 37 shots he faced to pick up the win, his 8th of the season.

Why it matters

The Sabres' victory keeps them atop the Atlantic Division standings with 106 points, two more than the Montreal Canadiens and four more than the Tampa Bay Lightning. This marks the first time Buffalo has clinched a playoff spot since the 2010-11 season.

The details

Colton Ellis, who was claimed off waivers by the Sabres earlier this season, made 37 saves to record his first career NHL shutout. The 23-year-old goaltender has appeared in 15 games for Buffalo, posting a 2.91 goals-against average.

  • The Sabres defeated the Blue Jackets on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Colton Ellis

A 23-year-old goaltender who was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Sabres earlier this season. He recorded his first career NHL shutout in Thursday's 5-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL team that currently leads the Atlantic Division with 106 points, clinching a playoff spot for the first time since the 2010-11 season.

Columbus Blue Jackets

An NHL team that was defeated 5-0 by the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.

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What they’re saying

“Colton has been a great addition to our team this season. His first career shutout is a well-deserved accomplishment.”

— Don Granato, Head Coach, Buffalo Sabres

What’s next

The Sabres have two regular season games remaining, while the Canadiens and Lightning each have three. Buffalo will look to maintain their lead atop the division and secure the best record in the Atlantic.

The takeaway

The Buffalo Sabres' strong season has been fueled by the emergence of young talent like Colton Ellis, who recorded his first NHL shutout in a crucial divisional win. This marks a significant milestone for the team as they make their first playoff appearance in over a decade.