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Zach Metsa fights Mathieu Olivier in Sabres' season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 7, 2026, 9:48 PM

Last updated Oct 7, 2026

Hockey

Summary

In their season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Sabres defenseman Zach Metsa fought heavyweight Mathieu Olivier after a controversial empty-net goal. Metsa, who has little fighting experience, aimed to send a message about team respect despite losing the bout. His actions were praised by teammates, reflecting a team-first mentality. The Sabres, coming off a loss, are now evaluating their lineup as injuries loom, including those to Alex Lyon and Jason Zucker.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Zach Metsa and Mathieu Olivier fought in the season opener.
•Metsa's fight was his first since joining the Sabres.
•Teammates supported Metsa for his courage during the fight.
•Sabres assessing roster depth as injuries impact lineup.
•Alex Lyon and Jason Zucker joined practice; no return date set.

Latest Updates

9:48 PMYahoo Sports — Metsa making his presence known early for Sabres

What they're saying

"
BUFFALO — No one expected it. After all, Sabres defenseman Zach Metsa doesn’t fight much. As a pro, he said he had only scrapped once before taking on heavyweight Mathieu Olivier in Thursday’s season opener in Columbus. As a rookie with the Rochester Americans, the 5-foot-9, 201-pound Metsa said he fought a member of the Syracuse Crunch whose name he doesn’t remember. “I think he was No. 18,” ...
— Yahoo Sports

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Buffalo Sabres Columbus Blue Jackets Minnesota Wild NHL Hockey