The Buffalo Sabres secured their first win of the season with an emphatic 8-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night. This win came in the first game for the Senators without their captain, Brady Tkachuk, who is expected to be sidelined for at least a month due to a right-hand injury.

The Sabres, who had been outscored 10-2 in their first three games, finally found their offensive rhythm. Jack Quinn led the charge with two goals, including a fortunate one in the first period where his shot missed the net but bounced off the glass and off Senators goalie Leevi Merilainen's back into the net. Jason Zucker contributed two power-play goals in the second period, while Ryan McLeod scored a shorthanded goal and Alex Tuch added an even-strength goal. McLeod also scored in the third period, and Jiri Kulich sealed the win with an empty-netter. Alex Lyon made 33 saves for the Sabres.

The Senators, who have now lost three straight games after winning their opener against Tampa Bay, struggled defensively and took costly penalties. Rookie goalie Leevi Merilainen, making his first start of the season, allowed seven goals on 26 shots. Shane Pinto, Tim Stutzle, Jake Sanderson, and Lars Eller scored for Ottawa, but it wasn't enough to overcome Buffalo's offensive outburst.

Ottawa played without captain Brady Tkachuk, who was injured on Monday night against Nashville. He was cross-checked into the boards by Roman Josi. There is fear that Tkachuk could miss up to two months, and Senators owner Michael Andlauer said Tkachuk is seeking a second opinion to determine if surgery will be required for his wrist injury. To add to their woes, the Senators also lost defenseman Donovan Sebrango on waivers to the Florida Panthers. Sebrango, who had made the team out of training camp due to an injury to Tyler Kleven, played in Ottawa's first two games but was a healthy scratch on Monday. Drake Batherson made his season debut for the Senators after recovering from an upper-body injury sustained in training camp.

The game featured a flurry of goals early in the third period, with the teams combining for four goals in a span of 2:37. Pinto and Eller scored to cut the Sabres' lead to 5-4, but McLeod and Quinn responded to restore the three-goal advantage.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff had expressed disappointment with Jiri Kulich's performance prior to the game but ultimately decided to play him. Kulich contributed with an empty-net goal.

Looking ahead, the Senators will host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night, while the Sabres will host the Florida Panthers on Saturday night.