Title: Buffalo Sabres’ Alex Lyon Shines, Josh Doan Excels on Power Play; Sam Bennett Struggles
Sabres’ Lyon Shows Resilience in Back-to-Back Wins
After starting the season with three consecutive losses, the Buffalo Sabres have turned their fortunes around with two wins, thanks in large part to the standout performances of goaltender Alex Lyon. In their most recent victory, Lyon stopped 32 of 35 shots faced, earning a 3-0 shutout against the two-time Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. This impressive outing marked Lyon’s second consecutive win, following his 44-save performance against the New Jersey Devils.
Lyon has started all five games for the Sabres this season, putting forth quality starts in four of them—despite facing a minimum of 30 shots per game in each contest. Signed as goaltending insurance in the offseason, Lyon’s strong play has given fans reason to believe he could challenge for the starting job once Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen returns from injury.
Josh Doan Lights Up Power Play, Finds Early Season Success
While Lyon has been steadfast in net, forward Josh Doan has been making waves on the scoresheet. Doan’s two power-play goals against the Panthers, along with his three assists in the previous game, have propelled him to a hot start this season. With six shots on goal and four points in his last two games, Doan is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Currently rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues and 31% of Fantrax leagues, Doan’s fantasy value is on the rise, especially with the Sabres playing four games next week.
Sam Bennett’s Postseason Magic Fades to Disappointment
Unlike Doan and Lyon, forward Sam Bennett has struggled to find his stride early in the season. After an incredible playoff run that earned him the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy, Bennett has just one goal and no points in his last three games, bringing his total to only a single point through seven games. Bennett’s team-worst minus-9 rating further highlights his early-season struggles.
Brad Marchand’s Teddy Bear and Other Quirks
In an odd turn of events, Brad Marchand might have needed his teddy bear for some superstitious late-game contributions. As the NHL season is only a week and a half old, we’re bound to see peculiar results and stories unfold.
Shane Pinto’s Goal-scoring tear may not be sustainable
On the other end of the spectrum, Shane Pinto’s scorching start to the season has fantasy hockey managers buzzing. With seven goals already, Pinto scored in his third consecutive game on Saturday and is averaging 3.5 shots on goal per game. However, Pinto has been absent from the Senators’ top power play, which could signal that his torrid scoring pace may not last. Pinto is currently rostered in only 20% of Yahoo leagues, but his first 40-point season seems likely, and he could even reach 30 goals at his current pace.
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