Buffalo Sabres take on Pittsburgh Penguins in early NHL clash

NHL regular season action at KeyBank Center

The NHL regular season continues on Saturday, 26 September 2026, with a 19:00 UTC face-off at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The Buffalo Sabres will welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins for a key early season game. Both sides are coming into this match with just three games played in the standings and will be eager to gain vital points as they look to improve their league positions. The home advantage may be crucial in what promises to be a competitive contest between two sides with contrasting recent results.

Standings and recent form

Currently, the Buffalo Sabres sit 11th in the NHL standings with 3 points from 3 games. They have recorded 1 win and 1 loss so far, scoring and conceding 8 goals each for a neutral goal difference. Their recent form over five matches shows 2 wins and 3 losses, with 16 goals scored and 13 conceded, averaging 3.2 goals for and 2.6 against per game. Their latest outing was a narrow 3-2 away defeat to Detroit Red Wings on 24 September.

Pittsburgh Penguins seeking form

The Pittsburgh Penguins occupy 13th place with 2 points from 3 games, having won once and lost twice. They have struggled defensively, conceding 12 goals while scoring 8, giving them a -4 goal difference. Their five most recent matches reveal 1 victory and 4 defeats, with 13 goals scored and 22 conceded, averaging 2.6 goals for and 4.4 against per game. Their last game ended in a 4-0 away loss to Columbus Blue Jackets on 24 September.

Head-to-head history gives Penguins slight edge

These teams have met three times recently, with the Pittsburgh Penguins winning twice and the Buffalo Sabres once. The total goals from these encounters stand at 18. Their last meeting was on 21 September 2026 at Pittsburgh’s home, where the Penguins won 4-1. Earlier clashes this year saw a 5-1 Penguins home win in March and a 5-2 Penguins victory away in February. This recent dominance by Pittsburgh on head-to-head clashes may give them confidence heading into Saturday’s game, though Buffalo will be keen to overturn that record on home ice.

Where to watch

Fans in the United States can catch the match live on NHL Net, MSGB, and SportsNet PIT+. These channels will provide coverage of the game from KeyBank Center, allowing supporters of both teams to follow the action as it unfolds.

Where the teams stand

Recent form

Head-to-head