The Buffalo Sabres start the 2025-26 season with seven of their first 10 games at KeyBank Center, and in December, they have a 12-day, six-game road trip. Here are five games on the Sabres’ schedule that you do not want to miss.
Home/Season Opener vs. New York Rangers (Oct. 9)
The Sabres open their season at home against the New York Rangers. Last season, the Sabres went 2-1 in the season series, including a 6-1 victory on Nov. 7, and an 8-2 win on Feb. 22. Their only loss to the Rangers was 3-2 on Dec. 11. Both teams will be looking for a fresh start after disappointing campaigns in 2024-25. The Sabres missed the playoffs for the 14th straight season, while the Rangers, who won the Presidents’ Trophy the season before, also missed the playoffs.
Home & Home vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (Oct. 24 & 25)
Of course, this cross-border rivalry is always a must-see event. It’s fitting that the teams’ first matchup is a home-and-home set heading into the weekend of Oct. 24. Every time these teams meet, there are fireworks. However, the Toronto Maple Leafs have won the last five matchups between the two teams.
When you get Maple Leafs superstars Auston Matthews and William Nylander facing off against Sabres superstars Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, seeing the league’s best go head-to-head is always exciting hockey.
The Rivalry energy is different between the two teams; it doesn’t get talked about enough because the Sabres haven’t been good in over a decade. However, every game between the two teams always has a great atmosphere. The Sabres have a chance to make an early statement in the “Battle of the QEW“. (Queen Elizabeth Way)
J.J. Peterka’s First Game Back in Buffalo Since Trade (Nov. 4 vs. Utah Mammoth)
The Sabres traded J.J. Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan in June in an attempt to upgrade their defense group. Peterka was also reluctant to sign a new contract with the team as a restricted free agent. You get the NHL’s newest franchise in their second season and get to witness their fresh new jerseys that they released earlier in the offseason, which, by the way, are already some of the best jerseys in the league, in my opinion.
This game marks his first contest in Buffalo since the trade, and he is sure to draw a reaction from fans. Will they give him a warm reception, or will they boo…
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