Overview
- Buffalo defeated the Flyers 5-3, stretching a season-best run to four games in the first outing with Kekäläinen in charge.
- The Sabres improved to 15-14-4 and sit five points from a playoff spot, with Alex Lyon backstopping all four wins and Tage Thompson scoring in five straight.
- Kekäläinen said everyone in the organization is under evaluation and expressed confidence Buffalo can make the playoffs after observing the club as a senior advisor since summer.
- Analysts urge swift, consequential moves on trades or staffing, though the NHL holiday roster freeze curtails immediate action.
- Alex Tuch and coach Lindy Ruff publicly shouldered responsibility for Kevyn Adams’ firing, and Kekäläinen said he wants to keep Tuch in Buffalo and will take charge of his contract talks.