Hofer makes 27 saves as Blues blank Sabres 3-0

Hofer Shuts Out Sabres with 27 Saves

Joel Hofer recorded 27 saves for his third NHL shutout Thursday night, leading the St. Louis Blues to a 3-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Mathieu Joseph contributed a short-handed goal and two assists, helping the Blues snap a losing streak.

Key Contributors and Game Highlights

Justin Faulk scored a goal and added an assist.
Nick Bjugstad also scored for St. Louis.
The Blues won for just the second time in their last 10 games, improving to 2-6-2.
This was St. Louis’ first shutout since the season opener.

Coaching Decisions and Team Strategy

After a heavy 6-1 loss at Washington the previous night, St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery held a mandatory morning skate ahead of this back-to-back game. He benched top scorer Jordan Kyrou to try to ignite the team’s performance.

Buffalo Sabres’ Streak Ends

The Sabres saw their seven-game point streak (3-0-4) end with this shutout loss, their first scoreless game since the season opener. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, returning from a preseason lower-body injury, made 14 saves in his third appearance this season.

Crucial Moments

The Blues took the lead in the first period despite only four shots on goal. At 12:38, Joseph stole the puck from Jack Quinn in the defensive zone and scored from the high slot during a partial breakaway.

"Hofer gloved Josh Doan’s shot inside the crease earlier on the penalty kill that led to Joseph’s goal."

Hofer improved his record to 2-3-0 after allowing 20 goals in his previous five games.

Author’s Summary

Hofer’s strong goaltending and key plays from Joseph and Faulk helped the struggling Blues secure a commanding shutout win over the Sabres, ending Buffalo’s point streak.

News Tribune — 2025-11-07