Sabres Edge Golden Knights in Close Contest
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · KeyBank Center
Buffalo Sabres 3, Vegas Golden Knights 2, final. Our NHL picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Vegas Golden Knights vs Buffalo Sabres?
Buffalo Sabres beat Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 at KeyBank Center on March 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Vegas Golden Knights vs Buffalo Sabres?
Buffalo Sabres were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested match, the Buffalo Sabres triumphed over the Vegas Golden Knights with a final score of 3-2 at KeyBank Center on March 4, 2026. This victory allowed the Sabres to extend their lead in the series against the Golden Knights, now holding a 2-0 advantage in their recent meetings. Buffalo's home record stands impressive at 36-19-6, while Vegas holds a record of 28-19-14 on the road.
The Sabres have shown strong recent form, winning seven of their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. They have averaged 3.9 goals scored and allowed 2.6 during this stretch. Their last five games reflect a record of 3-2, with an average of 3.2 goals scored and 2.8 allowed. In contrast, the Golden Knights have struggled, winning only three of their last ten games and currently on a two-game losing streak. Their average scoring during this period is 2.9 goals, while they have allowed an average of 3.7 goals per game. In their last five games, Vegas has a record of 3-2, with an average of 3.4 goals scored and 3.0 allowed.
At home, the Sabres have been particularly effective, boasting a record of 1-2 in their last three home games, while their away record stands at 6-1. The Golden Knights, however, have not fared well on the road, with a disappointing away record of 1-5 in their last six games. This disparity in home and away performance has been a significant factor in their recent results.
In terms of injuries, the Sabres are dealing with several key players on the sidelines. Justin Danforth and Jiri Kulich are both on injured reserve, with Danforth suffering from a kneecap injury and Kulich dealing with an ear issue. Additionally, Noah Ostlund is out due to a lower body injury. The absence of these players could impact the Sabres' lineup, but they have managed to maintain their winning momentum despite these setbacks.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, opened with the Sabres favored at -135 on the money line, while the Golden Knights were listed at +114. The spread was set at -1.5 for Buffalo, with a total of 6.5 goals for the game. The odds for the over were at +105, while the under was priced at -125, indicating a slight lean towards a lower-scoring game.
The conditions at KeyBank Center were conducive to hockey, with a typical late winter atmosphere in Buffalo. Fans were treated to an exciting matchup, and the Sabres capitalized on their home-ice advantage.
The scoring plays were pivotal in the game, with Jason Zucker opening the scoring for Buffalo in the first period. The second period saw the Sabres extend their lead with goals from Owen Power and Tage Thompson, bringing the score to 3-0. However, the Golden Knights responded with two goals from Ivan Barbashev and Pavel Dorofeyev, making it a close contest at 3-2. Despite their efforts, Vegas was unable to find the equalizer, and the Sabres held on for the win.
Overall, this matchup showcased the Sabres' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while the Golden Knights will need to regroup as they continue to navigate a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BUF -135 | 6.5 o +105 / u -125 | Vegas Golden Knights +114 · Buffalo Sabres -135 |
Injury report
- Justin DanforthInjured ReserveKneecapBuffalo Sabres
- Jiri KulichInjured ReserveEarBuffalo Sabres
- Noah OstlundOutLower BodyBuffalo Sabres
Leaders
- GoalsJason Zucker1Buffalo Sabres
- AssistsRasmus Dahlin2Buffalo Sabres
- PointsRasmus Dahlin2Buffalo Sabres
- GoalsIvan Barbashev1Vegas Golden Knights
- AssistsReilly Smith1Vegas Golden Knights
- PointsIvan Barbashev1Vegas Golden Knights
Recent form
Buffalo Sabres
Last 10: 7-3Streak W33.9 scored · 2.6 allowed per game1-2 at home
- W6-2at Tampa Bay LightningMar 1
- W3-2at Florida PanthersFeb 28
- W2-1at New Jersey DevilsFeb 26
- L2-5vs Pittsburgh PenguinsFeb 6
- L3-4at Tampa Bay LightningFeb 4
- W5-3at Florida PanthersFeb 3
- L2-4vs Montreal CanadiensFeb 1
- W4-1vs Los Angeles KingsJan 30
- W7-4at Toronto Maple LeafsJan 28
- W5-0at New York IslandersJan 24
Vegas Golden Knights
Last 10: 3-7Streak L22.9 scored · 3.7 allowed per game1-5 away
- L0-5at Pittsburgh PenguinsMar 1
- L2-3at Washington CapitalsFeb 28
- W6-4at Los Angeles KingsFeb 26
- W4-1vs Los Angeles KingsFeb 6
- W5-2vs Vancouver CanucksFeb 5
- L3-4at Anaheim DucksFeb 2
- L2-3vs Seattle KrakenFeb 1
- L4-5vs Dallas StarsJan 30
- L2-3at Montreal CanadiensJan 28
- L1-7at Ottawa SenatorsJan 25
Standings
| Team | Ot losses | Lost | Points | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegas | 17 | 26 | 95 | 39 |
| Edmonton | 11 | 30 | 93 | 41 |
| Anaheim | 6 | 33 | 92 | 43 |
| Los Angeles | 20 | 27 | 90 | 35 |
| San Jose | 8 | 35 | 86 | 39 |
| Seattle | 11 | 37 | 79 | 34 |
| Calgary | 9 | 39 | 77 | 34 |
| Vancouver | 8 | 49 | 58 | 25 |
| Buffalo | 9 | 23 | 109 | 50 |
| Tampa Bay | 6 | 26 | 106 | 50 |
| Montreal | 10 | 24 | 106 | 48 |
| Boston | 10 | 27 | 100 | 45 |
| Ottawa | 11 | 27 | 99 | 44 |
| Detroit | 10 | 31 | 92 | 41 |
| Florida | 4 | 38 | 84 | 40 |
| Toronto | 14 | 36 | 78 | 32 |
Box score
| Stat | Vegas Golden Knights | Buffalo Sabres |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked shots | 10 | 10 |
| Hits | 28 | 15 |
| Takeaways | 5 | 9 |
| Shots total | 29 | 28 |
| Power play goals | 0 | 0 |
| Power play opportunities | 1 | 1 |
| Power play pct | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Short handed goals | 0 | 0 |
| Shootout goals | 0 | 0 |
| Faceoffs won | 27 | 34 |
| Faceoff percent | 44.3 | 55.7 |
| Giveaways | 14 | 15 |
| Penalties | 1 | 1 |
| Penalty minutes | 2 | 2 |
How the scoring went
- 1st0-1Jason Zucker Goal (16) Snap Shot, assists: Ryan McLeod (32), Rasmus Dahlin (40)
- 2nd0-2Owen Power Goal (5) Wrist Shot, assists: Noah Ostlund (11)
- 2nd0-3Tage Thompson Goal (33) Wrist Shot, assists: Alex Tuch (28), Rasmus Dahlin (41)
- 2nd1-3Ivan Barbashev Goal (18) Wrap-around, assists: Shea Theodore (21), Jack Eichel (48)
- 2nd2-3Pavel Dorofeyev Goal (29) Wrist Shot, assists: Reilly Smith (9)
Venue
- KeyBank CenterBuffalo, NY
- Attendance19070
- OfficialsBrad Kovachik, TJ Luxmore, Kendrick Nicholson, James Tobias
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