BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins faced off against the Buffalo Sabres on March 17, 2025, at TD Garden, where the game ended dramatically with Alex Tuch scoring the winning power-play goal with just 10.7 seconds left in overtime, leading the Sabres to a 3-2 victory. This win not only ended the Sabres' eight-game road losing streak but also fueled frustrations for the Bruins, whose struggles continued as they dropped their third consecutive game.
The night started off with drama as Peyton Krebs made his mark early, scoring for Buffalo just 4:19 after the game's opening face-off during the power play. His shot found the net, giving the Sabres the early momentum. Boston quickly retaliated when Morgan Geekie assisted Pavel Zacha to tie the game 1-1. Geekie then put the Bruins up 2-1 with his career-high 23rd goal, showcasing his excellent puck control and finding the net after maneuvering around goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Despite the strong start, the Bruins encountered significant troubles as they failed to maintain their lead. Owen Power, who has emerged as one of the standout players for Buffalo, tied the game with his own goal midway through the second period. Power's shot brought renewed hope for the Sabres, and his contributions of one goal and two assists on the night proved instrumental.
The game came down to overtime, where the stakes were high. After Boston's Marat Khusnutdinov received a tripping penalty just minutes earlier, the Bruins found themselves on the defensive against the Sabres' power play. Tuch, positioned near the left post, executed the perfect tip of Power's wrist shot, beating goaltender Joonas Korpisalo just before the buzzer.
Questions surrounding Boston's performance came to the forefront as they struggled to find their offensive groove throughout the game. Coach Joe Sacco expressed concerns, particularly emphasizing the need for the team to capitalize on power-play opportunities, stating, "Their power play got two tonight and we didn't get any. You could say
that was one of the differences in the game." This observation came as Boston failed to convert on their own power play chances, continuing their season-long issues.
Korpisalo was notable for his performance, making 27 saves on 30 shots. His ability to keep Boston competitive, especially against the Sabres' attackers, was highlighted during key moments, including several impressive saves on breakaway attempts. Sacco acknowledged Korpisalo's play stating, “If not for him, it would have been over well before Tuch’s deflection.”
Following the game, the Bruins' record fell to 30-30-9, raising concerns about their potential chances of making the playoffs. The team's struggles were evidenced by their recent performances, having been outscored 9-4 and outshot 70-31 across their previous two contests. Morgan Geekie reflected on the team's performance, noting, "I think we’re just kind of getting away from our strengths. I think we have to have a shoot-first mentality and sometimes you get away from
that."
On the other hand, the Sabres celebrated their hard-fought victory, with Tuch’s game-winning goal seen as timely and pivotal. After their previous meeting, where they lost significantly to Boston, the Sabres were able to turn the tide and show resilience on the road.
The Bruins now look to turn this troubling stretch around as they head on the road for five games, starting with their matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights on March 20. With the regular season winding down, each game becomes increasingly important for Boston as they strive to secure their spot in the postseason.
Buffalo will also continue its push for momentum, preparing to face the Utah Jazz on the road, hoping to build off this recent success. The ice is getting thin for teams with playoff aspirations as the end of
the season approaches.
