The final curtain call of the 2024–25 NHL regular season in Buffalo had all the makings of a storybook send-off: goals, milestones, drama, and the roaring cheer of 15,000 fans waving Alex Tuch bobbleheads in celebration.
On Fan Appreciation Night, it was only fitting that Tuch—who won the fan-voted Rick Martin Memorial Award—played hero once again, notching a goal, an assist, and three blocked shots in a 4–3 win over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers.
While neither team had playoff ambitions to play for, pride, development, and individual brilliance were all on full display at the KeyBank Center on Thursday night.
Tuch Leads the Way – On the Scoresheet and the Stats Sheet
Alex Tuch didn’t just play like a fan favourite; he skated like a man determined to leave one final mark on the 2024–25 campaign. His first-period goal, a smart finish off a Jason Zucker feed, opened the scoring and energised the home crowd. Minutes later, he picked up a shorthanded assist on Peyton Krebs’ breakaway finish—a slick poke-check and perfect lead pass that reminded fans just how complete a player he’s become.
In the process, Tuch reached 36 goals on the season—matching his career best—and topped it off by breaking the NHL single-season record for blocked shots by a forward (113), a stat officially tracked since 2005–06.
But this wasn’t just about personal accolades. Tuch’s impact reverberated through the team. “On-ice excellence, resiliency, and dedication to the community”—that’s the Rick Martin Award ethos, and Tuch embodied every word of it on Thursday night.
Ruff Hits 900 in Style
Behind the bench, the evening marked another historic moment as Lindy Ruff notched his 900th regular-season coaching win. He joins an elite group—Scotty Bowman, Joel Quenneville, Paul Maurice, and Barry Trotz—and reasserts his place in coaching royalty.
For Ruff, this win wasn’t about records—it was about ending the season right. “We wanted to give the fans something to remember,” he said postgame. “And the boys delivered.”
Delivered, indeed.
Flyers Fight Back – Michkov’s Two-Goal Showcase
Despite the loss, the Philadelphia Flyers showed flashes of the team they’re hoping to become. None shone brighter than 20-year-old Matvei Michkov, who tallied two more goals to cap off a sensational rookie season.
Michkov, one of the top bright spots in Philly’s campaign, showcased his sharp instincts and elite finishing ability. His power-play goal in the first period and a clinical second goal in the middle frame highlighted both his vision and timing.
Tyson Foerster added a well-timed deflection goal just seconds into the third, while Bobby Brink scored with 19 seconds left to add late drama. Though ultimately falling short, the Flyers’ offensive output proved there’s plenty to be optimistic about under interim coach Brad Shaw.
Key Moments: First to Last
The Sabres’ first period was a masterclass in puck control and clinical execution. Outshooting the Flyers 13–4, they jumped to a 3–1 lead thanks to goals from Tuch, Krebs (shorthanded), and a Quinn finish off a 2-on-1 from McLeod.
In the second, JJ Peterka added a fourth before Michkov brought Philly back into the game. A disallowed goal for goaltender interference on Peterka kept things tense, and Buffalo’s penalty kill had to stand tall late in the game.
Ryan McLeod’s empty-net goal with 48 seconds left should have sealed it, but Brink’s last-gasp effort made the final moments nervy.
How Our Betting Tips Fared
The America Bet match preview proved strong in multiple areas:
✅ Buffalo Sabres to win – Hit! Buffalo claimed a tight 4–3 win.
✅ Over 6.5 total goals – Correct, with 7 goals scored.
✅ Matvei Michkov to score anytime – Nailed it! He scored twice.
❌ Buffalo to score first – Incorrect; they did score early, but not the very first shot.
✅ Both teams to score in 1st period – Hit, as both got on the board in the opening frame.
❌ Game to go to OT – Missed, but it came close.
✅ Samuel Ersson over 29.5 saves – Slight miss; Ersson didn’t start, but Kolosov made 27 saves.
For those who backed high-scoring action and Michkov to get on the board, it was a very profitable night.
What’s Next?
With the curtain now closed, both clubs look to the offseason. Buffalo’s late-season form and youthful core suggest that Ruff may finally have a group he can guide into the playoff conversation in 2025–26.
The Flyers, meanwhile, are in the midst of a longer-term rebuild. But with Michkov, Foerster, and Brink showing promise, there are more building blocks than they had this time last year.
And for the fans in Buffalo—many of whom walked away with a Tuch bobblehead—the memories of this finale will linger long after the ice is gone.
