The Buffalo Sabres (35-37-7) fell 3-2 in a shootout to the Florida Panthers (47-29-4) on Saturday night at Amerant Bank Arena. Despite strong efforts from Rasmus Dahlin and JJ Peterka, who each posted a goal and an assist on the power play, the Sabres were unable to convert in the shootout. Anton Lundell scored the lone shootout goal in the opening round to seal the win for Florida.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen had a solid showing in net for Buffalo, turning aside 32-of-34 shots. The Sabres suffered a setback late in the second period when defenseman Owen Power exited with an apparent knee injury after colliding with Carter Verhaeghe.
Dahlin opened the scoring with a give-and-go tally late in the first, but Florida answered in the second. Verhaeghe tied it early, and Jesse Puljujarvi tipped home the go-ahead goal later in the period. Tempers flared after a controversial hit on Jiri Kulich, though no penalty was assessed following review.
Buffalo responded with physicality in the third, and Peterka’s power-play strike evened the score at 2-2. Both teams had chances in overtime, but it came down to the shootout where the Sabres came up short.
Buffalo wraps up its last road trip of the season on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with faceoff slated for 6 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].