Tyler Ennis had a goal and two assists within the first 24 minutes of play at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, helping the hosts to a 4-0 lead.
Matt Moulson scored two first-period goals, before Marcus Foligno added the fifth and assisted for the sixth in a comprehensive performance from the Sabres.
Second selection in the 2014 draft, Sam Reinhart also scored for Buffalo.
The Columbus Blue Jackets came from behind to run out 6-3 winners over the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Blue Jackets trailed 2-1 late in the second period but came home strongly, Marko Dano scoring two third-period goals for the winners.
The Pittsburgh Penguins shut out the Detroit Red Wings 2-0 in Sidney Crosby's first pre-season appearance.
The Montreal Canadiens withstood 32 shots from the Chicago Blackhawks to claim a 3-1 victory, the winners with 13 fewer shots at the target.
Jesse Joensuu scored two tie-breaking goals to help the Edmonton Oilers edge the Arizona Coyotes 3-2.