Panthers at Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres created a blueprint last time out of what is needed for them to win consistently, and hope to match that effort when the struggling Florida Panthers pay a visit Friday night. The Sabres posted 15 shots in the first period and carried that momentum throughout to score a 3-1 triumph against Washington on Tuesday for only their fifth victory in 15 contests to open the season.
“It’s so nice and also frustrating to see because when we play like this, we’re just a hell of a hockey team I think,” Buffalo goalie Robin Lehner told reporters. “But then we get away from it. I just really hope we all understand that’s the way we’ve got to play.” The Sabres hope to put together another solid effort on both ends of the ice and take advantage of the fading Panthers, who have lost five straight games and allowed 33 goals in their past seven. Florida allowed at least 38 shots throughout its losing streak, two of which ended after regulation, and has not won since scoring a season-high eight against Anaheim on Oct. 26. The Panthers have sunk to the bottom of the Eastern Conference with their slide and have won only one of six games on the road in the early going.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Florida, MSG Buffalo
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (4-8-2): Florida is still tied for sixth in the league in scoring through Wednesday’s contests (3.43) despite a 3-1 loss at Carolina last time out, but sits last in the league in goals-against per contest (4.14). Center Vincent Trocheck has posted goals in three straight games and shares the team lead in points with left wing Jonathan Huberdeau at 16. Roberto Luongo, who needs one victory to pass Curtis Joseph (454) for fourth on the NHL’s all-time list, has turned aside 84 of 91 shots in two games since returning from a hand injury.
ABOUT THE SABRES (5-8-2): Buffalo could take some pressure off its offense if it can find some success on the power play, which has converted 1-of-25 opportunities over the last eight contests. Left wing Evander Kane leads the team with nine goals, including three in the last three games, and 15 points while Benoit Pouliot boasts three tallies and an assist in his past three contests. Nathan Beaulieu (upper-body) and Josh Gorges (lower-body) could return against Florida while fellow blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen (upper-body) was downgraded to week-to-week.
OVERTIME
1. Buffalo C Jack Eichel had four goals in the first nine games and has been shut out in the past six.
2. The Panthers recalled F Dryden Hunt from the American Hockey League and sent F Chase Balisy down.
3. The teams split four games last season with each team winning a pair on home ice.