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Rookie Avery Hayes scores twice in NHL debut as Penguins beat Sabres
Pittsburgh ends two-game skid with 5-2 road victory over Buffalo
Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:31am
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Rookie forward Avery Hayes scored two goals in his NHL debut to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-2 road win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday. Fellow rookie Ben Kindel also scored twice for the Penguins, who snapped a two-game losing streak. Tage Thompson and Jason Zucker scored for the Sabres.
Why it matters
Hayes' impressive debut is a feel-good story for the Penguins, who have struggled at times this season but got a boost from their young talent. The win also keeps Pittsburgh in the playoff hunt in the tight Eastern Conference race.
The details
Zucker scored the opening goal for the Sabres just 1:46 into the game, but Hayes tied it at 1-1 with a highlight-reel goal midway through the first period. He then scored again late in the opening frame to give the Penguins a 2-1 lead. Kindel extended the lead to 3-1 in the second period before Thompson pulled the Sabres back within one. But Novak and Kindel (empty-net) sealed the win for Pittsburgh in the third.
- The game was played on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
- Zucker scored the opening goal 1:46 into the first period.
- Hayes scored his first NHL goal with 10:42 left in the first period.
- Hayes scored his second goal with 1:13 left in the first period.
- Kindel scored in the second period with 12:16 remaining.
The players
Avery Hayes
A 23-year-old rookie forward making his NHL debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ben Kindel
An 18-year-old rookie forward who scored two goals for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tage Thompson
A star forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored his 30th goal of the season.
Jason Zucker
A forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored the opening goal against his former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Arturs Silovs
The goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins who made 27 saves in the win.
What’s next
The Penguins will look to build on this win and continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Sabres will aim to bounce back from the loss.
The takeaway
Rookie Avery Hayes made an instant impact in his NHL debut, scoring two goals to lead the Penguins to victory. His performance was a bright spot for Pittsburgh, which has had an up-and-down season but remains in the playoff hunt in the tight Eastern Conference.
