SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Buffalo Sabres’ early lead evaporated in a third-period collapse, handing them a 5-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday at Delta Center. This marks the Sabres’ third consecutive regulation loss and their continued struggles on the road (0-4-2), as they failed to sustain a strong start.
Isak Rosen scored his second and third career goals in the first and second periods, respectively, giving the Sabres a 2-0 lead. However, the Mammoth responded with five unanswered goals, four of which came in the decisive third period. Despite an impressive performance from goaltender Colten Ellis, who stopped 32 of 36 shots, the Sabres couldn’t hang on.
“We had the lead, but we didn’t finish. We’ve got to fight harder, defend better, and push through when it counts. That’s the only way we’ll turn this around.” — Alex Tuch
The Sabres, who were without several key players, built a promising 2-0 advantage, with Rosen opening the scoring just over five minutes into the game and then adding another in the second. But after a tight second period, where the Sabres held onto a 2-1 lead, the Mammoth surged in the third, with JJ Peterka and Lawson Crouse scoring early to give Utah its first lead of the night. Nick Schmaltz added an insurance goal, and Clayton Keller sealed it with an empty-netter.
Ellis Stands Strong, But Sabres Can’t Hold On
Despite the loss, Ellis’ performance stood out. The 25-year-old goalie, who was making his second NHL start after a three-week layoff, was sharp early on, especially in the first period where he stopped 12 shots. His quick reflexes and ability to handle high-danger chances were on full display as he denied quality looks from Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley.
“He was unbelievable for us,” said Alex Tuch, praising Ellis for keeping the Sabres in the game for as long as he did. “He was amazing, and the goals that did go in are really good goals. There’s just stops that he didn’t even have a chance on because we just had breakdowns and gave up really bad opportunities.”
Ellis himself was reflective of the game, noting that while his reads were strong in the first two periods, the third was a different story. “I think the third period maybe got a little away from me for a short moment of time, and they made some good plays and capitalized,”
said Ellis.
Defensive Breakdown in the Third
The Sabres were outshot 14-3 in the third period, and much of that pressure came after the Mammoth had gained the lead. “They came out flying in the third period, and we should’ve expected that, matched their intensity a little bit more and not allowed them back in the game so easily,”
Tuch said, acknowledging the Sabres’ failure to respond to Utah’s surge.
“We have to have a push there,” Rosen added, lamenting the lack of offensive response from the Sabres in the final period.
Chemistry Among Rosen, Ostlund, and Quinn
Rosen’s performance was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing game. The Swedish winger has been finding great chemistry with Noah Ostlund, and the pair combined well for Rosen’s second goal. The assist came from Ostlund after a beautiful give-and-go play.
Though Rosen was happy with his two-goal performance, he remained focused on the bigger picture.
Struggles from the First Line
The Sabres’ first line, featuring Tuch and Tage Thompson, struggled to make an impact throughout the game. In their 12 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time together, the top forwards combined for just one shot on goal—none from Tuch or Thompson.
Tuch acknowledged the need for improvement, especially in the face of such a critical loss. “It’s unacceptable,” he said. “We’ve got to play with a little bit more pace, a lot more support. A lot more confidence, too. We know that we can make plays; we just have to bear down and make them.”
Looking Ahead: A Tough Road Ahead for Buffalo
After another frustrating loss, the Sabres now look ahead to a daunting road trip, beginning Thursday night against the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche. The Sabres will need to regroup quickly and find a way to defend better, generate more offense, and sustain leads if they are to break out of their early-season slump.
Final Score: Mammoth 5, Sabres 2
Up Next: The Sabres face the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday at 9 p.m. EST.
“Everyone counted me out, but I’m here to make my own legacy. I don’t need anyone’s approval. My game speaks for itself — and if I’m not in the MVP conversation, then they’re not paying attention.”
— Jonathan Taylor silences the critics, leading the Colts to an 8-2 record and proving that even in a QB-driven league, a running back can still be the difference-maker.
The 2025 NFL season has been full of drama, but no storyline has taken the NFL by storm quite like the shocking resurgence of Jonathan Taylor. Once written off as trade bait after injuries and contract disputes, Taylor has transformed into one of the most dominant forces in the league, leading the Indianapolis Colts to an unexpected 8-2 start and making a legitimate case for MVP honors.
From Trade Bait to Franchise Savior:
Entering the 2025 season, it seemed as though Taylor’s time in Indianapolis might be coming to an end. A series of injuries and a public contract dispute had many questioning his future with the Colts, and the team even explored trade options. It seemed like a rebuilding year for Indianapolis, especially with a new quarterback, Daniel Jones, taking the reins for 2025 after rookie Anthony Richardson had faltered.
But then, Taylor silenced all doubts with a blistering start to the season. No longer the player on the trading block, he has reclaimed the form that made him a first-team All-Pro in 2021. With over 100 yards rushing in multiple games, Taylor has been the engine of the Colts’ offense, powering them to a surprise start in the AFC South. His ability to break tackles, control the clock, and change the game has made him the centerpiece of Indianapolis’ success.
Dominating the MVP Conversation:
While quarterbacks have traditionally dominated the MVP race, Jonathan Taylor is proving that running backs can still claim the crown. As the NFL continues to shift toward a pass-heavy game, Taylor’s production has forced the league to reconsider its assumptions. His numbers speak for themselves: leading the league in rushing yards and total expected points added (EPA) among running backs, Taylor is putting together a season that few thought was possible for a player at his position.
But it’s not just the stats that matter — it’s his undeniable impact on the Colts’ success. When Taylor gets at least 18 carries in a game, the Colts are undefeated. Without him, the team would likely not even be in playoff contention. His performance is directly tied to the Colts’ identity and their success. Take him out, and Indianapolis would no longer be a Super Bowl contender. This makes Taylor’s case for MVP just as strong as the top quarterbacks in the league.
A Story of Redemption and Resilience:
Jonathan Taylor’s journey is one of redemption. After being doubted, criticized, and even considered expendable, he has proven that he is still one of the most dynamic and valuable players in the NFL. His success is a testament to his perseverance and his ability to overcome adversity. With each game, Taylor is showing that greatness can come from anywhere on the field, and his comeback has been nothing short of spectacular.
As the second half of the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Taylor to see if he can maintain this historic pace and lead the Colts deep into the postseason. If he continues to perform at this level, he could very well change the way the NFL views the MVP race and prove once again that running backs still have the power to shape a team’s fate.
Jonathan Taylor isn’t just playing for the MVP — he’s playing to prove that even in a league dominated by quarterbacks, a superstar running back can still be the heart and soul of a championship-caliber team.