Ellis leads the way as Sabres blank San Jose

San Jose, California (WGR 550) - "Sabres After Dark" got off on the right foot in 2026-27. Visiting the San Jose Sharks, the blue and gold shot often (40 SOG), and allowed nothing in a 2-0 shutout victory at SAP Center on Tuesday night.

After a scoreless, but high-flying first period of play, Olen Zellweger got things going nice and early in the middle stanza. After gaining entry into the Sharks' defensive end, he surprised San Jose goalie Yaroslav Askarov with a quick snapshot from the left circle.

It was Zellweger's third goal in his first season with Buffalo, and it stood up as the only goal of the second period. Down at the other end of the rink, Colten Ellis remained perfect in the crease. That meant for the first time in 2025-26, the Sabres were entering a third period with a lead.

Ellis continued to play his game as the third period went along. The offense continued, as they had all night, to apply pressure on the San Jose defense in front of Askarov, but were stymied time and time again.

Finally, Ellis was afforded some breathing room in the late goings of regulation. Moments after Askarov vacated the net for an extra skater, Zach Benson gave Sharks rookie forward Ivar Stenberg his "welcome to the NHL" moment, as Benson bullied the puck away from Stenberg and cruised in for his first goal of the season.

From there, the Sabres were able to finish the job and register Ellis' first shutout since April 9, 2026 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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SCORING RECAP

First Period:

BUF: NONE
SJS: NONE

Second Period:

BUF: 0:50 - Olen Zellweger (3) (Konsta Helenius, Owen Power)
SJS: NONE

Third Period:

BUF: 19:05 - Zach Benson (1) ENG (Tage Thompson, Owen Power)
SJS: NONE

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STATS OF THE GAME

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Bluestar Home Services Three Stars of the Game:

1.) Colten Ellis - BUF
2.) Yaroslav Askarov - SJS
3.) Olen Zellweger - BUF

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What's Next:

The blue and gold head to Anaheim for a date with the Ducks on Thursday night, October 29. Puck drop at Honda Center is set for 10 p.m. ET with Dan Dunleay and Rob Ray on the call here on WGR Sports Radio 550.