Panthers ride big third period to 4-2 win over Sabres

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Photo credit Photo: Brynn Anderson - Associated Press

The Buffalo Sabres took a one-goal lead into the final period of Tuesday's road game against the Florida Panthers, but finished on the losing end of a 4-2 score. The Panthers came out of the second intermission firing on all cylinders, quickly tying the game and then taking the lead for good as part of a four-goal period. The loss sent Buffalo to its third straight loss. 

Jack Eichel's 19th goal of the season opened the scoring at 5:14 of the second period. With Buffalo enjoying a power play opportunity, Eichel cut in front of Panthers goaltender James Reimer and re-directed Sam Reinhart's pass into the net for the 1-0 lead. The goal punctuated a ramped-up offensive effort in the middle frame -- the Sabres racked up 11 shots in the second period after being out-shot 12-6 in the first.

The roles were reversed in the final period, with Florida striking early and often. The Panthers scored three goals in a span of 2:35 to start the thrid, taking a commanding 3-1 lead. Jonathan Huberdeau was left all alone on the far side, took a pass from Frank Vatrano and walked in on Linus Ullmark for Florida's first goal of the evening. Jayce Hawryluk put the Panthers on top only 43-seconds later, getting credit for a shot that bounced off his glove by way of the post and into the net. Less than two minutes later, Aleksander Barkov put a beautiful move on Ullmark, tucking a shot between his pads, and putting the Sabres in a two-goal deficit.

Eichel appeared to score his second of the evening with 7:22 left in the thrid, but the play was called back after a review showed the Sabres' captain went offsides while carrying the puck over the blue line. Huberdeau's second goal of the night came moments after Eichel's disallowed goal, giving the Panthers a 4-1 lead. Vladimir Sobotka added a late goal at the 19:52 mark, his first since November 8. 

GAME SUMMARY
Goal Summary:
First Period:
BUF: NONEFLA: NONE
Second Period:
BUF: 5:14 - Jack Eichel (19) PPG (Sam Reinhart, Jeff Skinner)FLA: NONE
Third Period:
BUF: 19:52 - Vladimir Sobotka (4) (Zemgus Girgensons, Johan Larsson)FLA: 3:07 - Jonathan Huberdeau (14) (Frank Vatrano, Aleksander Barkov); 3:50 - Jayce Hawryluk (4) (Vincent Trocheck, Evgenii Dadonov); 5:42 - Aleksander Barkov (23) (Jonathan Huberdeau, Frank Vatrano); 16:45 - Jonathan Huberdeau (15) (Aleksander Barkov)

 

Penalty Summary:
First Period:
BUF: 5:52 - Vladimir Sobotka (Hooking - 2 min.); 13:22 - Rasmus Ristolainen (Slashing - 2 min.)​FLA: 16:38 - Vincent Trocheck (Slashing - 2 min.)
Second Period:
BUF: 6:57 - Rasmus Dahlin (Tripping - 2 min.)FLA: 4:35 - Frank Vatrano (Holding - 2 min.)
Third Period:
BUF: 10:24 - Jack Eichel (Cross checking - 2 min.)FLA: 7:11 - Josh Brown (Illegal check to the head - 2 min.); 12:38 - Keith Yandle (Slashing - 2 min.)
Shots on Goal:
BUF: 34 (6, 12, 16)FLA: 41 (12, 12, 17)
Goalies:
BUF: Linus Ullmark - 37 savesFLA: James Reimer - 32 saves
Power Plays:
BUF: 1 for 4 (25%)FLA: 0 for 4 (0%)
Three Stars:

  1. Frank Vatrano - FLA
  2. Aleksander Barkov - FLA
  3. Jonathan Huberdeau - FLA

What's Next:

The Sabres now head to Tampa Bay to face the red-hot Lightning on Thursday. Winners of seven straight games, including Tuesday's 5-2 defeat of the Philadelphia Flyers, the Lightning sit atop the league with 96 points and 242 goals scored. Pre-game coverage on WGR begins at 6:30 p.m. with faceoff from Amalie Arena set for 7:30 p.m.