ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Buffalo Sabres claimed a hard-fought shootout victory against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday at Grand Casino Arena, earning two valuable points thanks to a standout moment from rookie forward Noah Östlund.
Drawing from his experience in the AHL with Rochester, goalie Colten Ellis provided key information to his teammates about Minnesota’s tendencies in shootouts. That preparation proved crucial, as Buffalo maintained composure through a tense overtime period before securing the win.
Noah Östlund displayed remarkable puck control and creativity during the shootout, scoring with what coach Don Granato described as “sick moves.” His finesse and confidence highlighted the promise of Buffalo’s young roster.
Colten Ellis, making one of his early NHL appearances, delivered a strong performance by stopping 32 shots through regulation and overtime. He then denied multiple attempts in the shootout to seal the win. Granato praised Ellis for his poise, saying,
“He looked calm, almost unfazed by the moment. That’s what you want from your goalie.”
The Sabres showcased improved defensive structure and quick transitions, earning praise from teammates who emphasized that persistence was key in a tightly contested game. With this result, Buffalo continues its push upward in the Eastern Conference standings.
Author Summary: Noah Östlund’s dazzling shootout goal and Colten Ellis’s confident goaltending powered the Buffalo Sabres to a thrilling road win over the Minnesota Wild.