BUFFALO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 3: Tyler Bertuzzi #59 of the Chicago Blackhawks defends against Sam Carrick #10 of the Buffalo Sabres during the second period of the NHL game at KeyBank Center on October 3, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 3: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates with Louis Crevier #46 and Josh Doan #91 after scoring a goal during the second period of the NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at KeyBank Center on October 3, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 3: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench during the second period of the NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at KeyBank Center on October 3, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 3: Noah Ostlund #86 of the Buffalo Sabres controls the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of the NHL game at KeyBank Center on October 3, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 3: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres defends against Ian Cole #28 of the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of the NHL game at KeyBank Center on October 3, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 3: Ryan Greene #20 of the Chicago Blackhawks defends against Zach Benson #6 of the Buffalo Sabres during the second period of the NHL game at KeyBank Center on October 3, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 3: Spencer Knight #30 and Alex Vlasic #72 of the Chicago Blackhawks defend against Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres during the second period of the NHL game at KeyBank Center on October 3, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 3: The Buffalo Sabres unveil the Atlantic Division Champion banner prior to the NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at KeyBank Center on October 3, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)