Noah Östlund looks like a real NHL package with 2 goals vs. Oilers: Sabres thoughts

Noah Östlund’s two-goal night in Buffalo’s 5-1 upset of Edmonton boosts his value for anytime-scorer bets and suggests sharp short-term upside for Buffalo moneyline plays at home; bettors may also lean toward under/low-scoring props given the Sabres’ ability to stifle Connor McDavid and limit high-danger chances.

Noah Östlund’s breakout fuels Sabres’ 5-1 win over Oilers

Noah Östlund continued his early-season surge with a two-goal performance as the Buffalo Sabres beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-1. The 21-year-old rookie, slotted on the fourth line between Beck Malenstyn and Josh Dunne, showed poise and playmaking ability that belied his role, delivering a power-play marker and an insurance goal in the third period to seal the victory.

Power-play poise and a clutch finish

Östlund opened the scoring on the power play after receiving a feed at the front of the net and lifting a shot over Stuart Skinner. His second, a third-period rip from the slot, put the game away while Malenstyn screened the goalie. Östlund’s vision and calm around the crease stood out, and his chemistry with linemates and fellow call-up Isak Rosén is becoming a meaningful part of Buffalo’s lineup.

Early returns: stats and five-on-five impact

Through 11 NHL games Östlund has three goals and two assists. The Sabres have outscored opponents 8-4 when he’s on the ice at five-on-five, a small-sample but encouraging indicator of his relative impact. Rosén has six points in eight games, and both youngsters are making a push for regular roles as Buffalo navigates a spate of injuries.

Defensive game plan shuts down Connor McDavid

Buffalo’s structure was pivotal: when Connor McDavid was on the ice at five-on-five, the Sabres owned a 17-6 advantage in scoring chances. McDavid managed just one shot on goal, two shot attempts and no scoring chances. The Oilers finished with only six high-danger chances all game, a sign that Buffalo’s game plan to protect the slot and force play outside paid dividends.

Goaltending rotation: Colten Ellis solidifies his spot

Colten Ellis turned in perhaps his best outing of the season, stopping 32 of 33 shots and making several key saves in the opening period before Buffalo built a lead. Ellis has now won consecutive starts and is carving out a meaningful role in the club’s three-goalie rotation, allowing Alex Lyon some well-needed rest.

Injury updates and roster moves

Josh Norris participated in morning skate in a no-contact jersey and is reportedly ahead of schedule after an opening-night injury; he’s about five weeks into recovery from an injury originally expected to keep him out roughly two months. Jason Zucker returned to the ice after missing seven games with a severe illness that left him debilitated; he has lost weight and needs time to regain conditioning but could be available by the weekend. Defenseman Michael Kesselring will miss some time with a new lower-body issue; Zach Metsa was recalled to take his roster spot. Prospect Zach Benson remains in a walking boot.

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Outlook: depth, timing and next steps

With multiple forwards sidelined, Buffalo has leaned on young players who are answering the call. If Östlund and Rosén continue producing while the Sabres sustain their defensive discipline and goaltending form, Buffalo’s depth could turn a short-term injury crisis into an opportunity to climb the standings. Coaches will monitor conditioning and lineup health as injured veterans return and competition for minutes intensifies.

Östlund scored the opening goal and iced the game against the Oilers, while Colten Ellis had perhaps his best game yet in net.

Theathleticuk