Lightning Edge Sabres in Overtime Thriller

On February 3, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning faced off against the Buffalo Sabres at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Both teams entered the game as two of the hottest in the NHL, with the Lightning boasting an 18-1-1 record over their last 20 games and the Sabres having won 21 of their past 26. The matchup was tightly contested, featuring multiple lead changes and ultimately ending in a dramatic overtime finish.

Game 56 Preview & Open Thread: Buffalo Sabres vs. Tampa Bay LightningBuffalo Sabres are painfully close to being one of the best teams in the NHLSabres come within 26 seconds of sweeping Florida trip4 takeaways from the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay LightningSabres' late lead vanishes, fall in overtime to LightningLightning 4 - Sabres 3 (OT)

The game began with Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov scoring at 10:24 of the first period after intercepting a clearing attempt from Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. The Sabres responded six minutes later when Mattias Samuelsson tied the game with a sharp-angled wrist shot at 16:53. The second period saw no goals, but the Lightning outshot the Sabres 10-4.

Sabres' late lead vanishes, fall in overtime to LightningRecap: Lightning 4, Sabres 3 - OTSabres come within 26 seconds of sweeping Florida tripLightning 4 - Sabres 3 (OT)Lightning proves it's more powerful than Sabres as Guentzel strikes the game winner in overtime for a 4-3 Tampa winLightning score late in regulation, late in OT to top SabresGuentzel scores in final seconds of OT to lift Lightning over Sabres

In the third period, Samuelsson scored again at 4:08, giving Buffalo a 2-1 lead. However, Tampa Bay equalized with a power-play goal from Oliver Bjorkstrand at 8:53. The Sabres regained the lead with a power-play goal from Josh Doan at 14:53, but Darren Raddysh tied the game with just 26 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime.

Sabres come within 26 seconds of sweeping Florida trip

In the extra period, Jake Guentzel scored the game-winning goal with only 14 seconds remaining, capitalizing on a stretch pass from Kucherov, who finished the night with a goal and three assists.

The Backcheck: Comeback Bolts beat Buffalo in OT

Colten Ellis, the Sabres' goaltender, had a standout performance, making 31 saves on 35 shots. Samuelsson was a key player for Buffalo, scoring two goals. Kucherov's four-point night (one goal, three assists) was pivotal for the Lightning, as was Guentzel's decisive overtime goal.

Lightning 4 - Sabres 3 (OT)Late slip costs Sabres extra point in Tampa BayGuentzel scores in final seconds of OT to lift Lightning over SabresThe Backcheck: Comeback Bolts beat Buffalo in OTRecap: Lightning 4, Sabres 3 - OTLightning score late in regulation, late in OT to top SabresLightning proves it's more powerful than Sabres as Guentzel strikes the game winner in overtime for a 4-3 Tampa win

Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged the team's effort but expressed disappointment at losing the lead late in the game. “We let that fourth one slip away tonight,” he said, emphasizing the need to manage the clock better. Kucherov, reflecting on the Lightning's resilience, stated, “We believe in our group, and when we're down, we’ve just got to keep pushing.”

The Backcheck: Comeback Bolts beat Buffalo in OT

Despite the Sabres' strong performance, critics pointed out their inability to close out games against top teams. The loss marked the second time in a week that Buffalo had a chance to secure a higher position in the Atlantic Division but fell short.

Buffalo Sabres are painfully close to being one of the best teams in the NHL

Following this game, the Sabres will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 6, 2026, while the Lightning prepare to face the Florida Panthers in their next matchup. Both teams are vying for playoff positioning as the NHL season progresses.

4 takeaways from the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning's 4-3 overtime victory over the Sabres showcased the competitive nature of both teams, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement as they head into the Olympic break. The game served as a reminder of the intensity and unpredictability of NHL hockey, particularly among teams in contention for playoff spots.

Buffalo Sabres are painfully close to being one of the best teams in the NHL