The Carolina Hurricanes are having nothing to do with their past as they pushed deeper into a playoff position with a win over the visiting Buffalo Sabres Saturday night.
Curtis McElhinney made 35 saves to help the Canes to a 4-2 win over the not so surprisingly hapless Sabres.
Lucas Wallmark had a goal in Canes win over Sabres – file by Lewis Bleiman
“It feels good,” McElhinney said. “Everybody’s doing their job. It’s a critical time of year, and it’s been fun being in that conversation and keep picking up points. Huge effort by everyone.”
Carolina is just two points back of third place in the Metro Division.
The Sabres enetered the game not having scored a goal in three straight losses.
Jeff Skinner ended that in the first period when he posted a goal for a 1-0 Sabres lead.
“When you’re having trouble putting one in, I think sometimes you need to get a bounce or a lucky one,” Skinner said. “We had some pretty good looks after that and again just couldn’t seem to get that second one.”
Lucas Wallmark tied it quickly enough for Carolina to take the steam out of the Sabres feint offense.
The Sabres are 2-11-2 in their last 15 matches.
“I think it gave us a reset,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “We were on our heels there to start and (the Sabres) were flying. From then on, we had a pretty good period and got things at least going in the direction we needed to.”
Andrei Svechnikov, Justin Williams and Jordan Staal added goals to build a 4-1 lead.
“There are some key leaders, but everyone in the room is able to lead and contribute,” Staal said. “Obviously, we have a young team, so we have some young leaders as well. You can pick a few who have led this team the whole year. It’s been fun to be a part of.”
Carolina improved to 39-25-7.
Zemgus Girgensons added a late cosmetic goal for Buffalo.
“Just off the rush, we were driving hard to the net,” Sabres head coach Phil Housley said. “We got some second and third opportunities, but that’s just not flowing for us right now. We’ve just got to continue to grind it out.”
Buffalo dropped to 30-32-9 and at least scored for a change of pace in their seven-game losing streak.
[WATCH: All Sabres vs. Hurricanes]
Linus Ullmark made 25 saves in the loss as the Sabres confirm that they do not support their goaltenders much; witness Robin Lehner now with New York Islanders.
“I’m trying my best out there, but it isn’t enough. I’m not happy with the way I’m playing lately. The boys are trying their best to create scoring opportunities and I let the guys down tonight. That’s just how it is,” Ullmark, said.
It’s not easy winning games in Buffalo for goalies; they should sue for lack of support.
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