JACK QUINN

Posts Bite Sabres, Greaves Backstops Blue Jackets 6-3

Matthew Knies cashes with Charlie Coyle pulling strings, while Buffalo’s near-misses clang off metal in Columbus’ opener.

Buffalo had the better chances all night and still walked out on the wrong side of 6-3. The Sabres’ looks were worth more by expected goals — 3.57 to 2.08 — yet the finish went Columbus’ way and Jet Greaves turned aside enough to tilt the night, stopping 23 of 26. On the other end, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen yielded 5 on 21.

The iron told the story. Buffalo hit metal four times, with an iron expected-goals value of 2.19. Jack Quinn pinged the frame twice and Tage Thompson did the same — the kind of near-misses that don’t show in the box score but swing outcomes.

For Columbus, Matthew Knies finished the chances that mattered with two goals and an assist, fed by Charlie Coyle’s three helpers, while Zach Werenski added two assists. Buffalo still created: Quinn scored, Noah Östlund and Owen Power each posted two assists.