Frank Nazar Scores Twice as Blackhawks Edge Sabres in Tight Battle

Frank Nazar delivered a two-goal performance Thursday night to lead the Chicago Blackhawks past the Buffalo Sabres 3-2. Ryan Donato also found the back of the net for Chicago, holding off Buffalo's offense led by Tage Thompson and Owen Power.

Frank Nazar provided the offensive spark Thursday night, scoring two goals to guide the Chicago Blackhawks to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Donato added a crucial tally for Chicago as the home team held firm in the final minutes to secure the one-goal decision.

Buffalo pushed hard throughout the contest, receiving goals from Tage Thompson and defenseman Owen Power. Despite their sustained offensive pressure, the Sabres fell just short of forcing overtime as the 2026-27 NHL Regular Season slate delivered another tightly contested matchup.

The decisive moment

Nazar's sharp execution proved to be the ultimate difference maker down the stretch. His second goal broke open a tense deadlock and gave Chicago the necessary cushion to withstand Buffalo's late push. The Blackhawks clamped down defensively in the closing minutes, turning aside Buffalo's late attempts to tie the game.

Buffalo mounted a fierce attack after pulling within one goal on Power's marker, but Chicago's defensive structure held firm against the Sabres' top shooters to seal the narrow victory.

By the numbers

Frank Nazar (CHI): 2 goals, leading all skaters in scoring.
Ryan Donato (CHI): 1 goal, supplying crucial secondary scoring for Chicago.
Tage Thompson (BUF): 1 goal, spearheading Buffalo's attack.
Owen Power (BUF): 1 goal, providing offensive support from the blue line.
Final Margin: 1 goal (3-2), reflecting a tightly contested sixty minutes of hockey.

Chicago capitalized on high-danger chances when it mattered most, while Buffalo's offense could not generate the equalizer despite high-end contributions from Thompson and Power.

What it means

This tight victory offers a valuable confidence boost for Chicago, particularly with defenseman Bowen Byram sidelined on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. Finding balanced scoring and relying on younger forwards like Nazar will remain vital for Chicago as they navigate a challenging schedule.

For the Sabres, the defeat highlights the sting of narrow margins while managing several key absences. Buffalo skated without injured defensemen Matt Grzelcyk and forwards Justin Danforth and Konsta Helenius, leaving the lineup shorthanded in critical situations.

What to watch next

Chicago will look to build on Nazar's stellar scoring touch and maintain their defensive resolve in their upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, Buffalo aims to regroup quickly, hoping to tighten defensive coverage and regain offensive consistency as their roster works back toward full health.