The Buffalo Sabres fell to the Ottawa Senators 4-1 on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre, missing an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth and slipping to second place in the Atlantic Division.
ORANGE GAME WEEK: Syracuse football returns home to host Louisville Saturday night (preview) Buffalo opened the scoring midway through the second period when Mattias Samuelsson fired a long wrist shot to break a scoreless tie. The lead was short-lived, as Ottawa responded late in the period with a tip-in goal to even the game at 1-1 heading into the third.
The Senators took control in the final frame. Ottawa broke the tie early in the third period on a deflection from the point, then added two empty-net goals in the closing minutes to seal the win.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 20 saves for the Sabres, who were unable to generate enough offense despite creating chances. Buffalo managed just one goal while being turned aside repeatedly by Ottawa goaltender Linus Ullmark.
The loss dropped the Sabres into second place in the division, as the Tampa Bay Lightning moved ahead in the standings with a win. Buffalo remains within reach of clinching a postseason spot, with its magic number down to one.
Buffalo returns to action Saturday, April 4, visiting the Washington Capitals with puck drop set for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
