In Buffalo, two power play goals from the Florida Panthers in the middle frame were the decisive strikes in the game with the Sabres. 
The two teams were deadlocked at 2-2 after the first period. Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour scored off the man advantage for a 4-2 lead to the Panthers.
“I thought we got stronger in the defensive parts of game as this game went on,” Florida coach Paul Maurice said. “… [The Sabres] played hard, they’ve got lots of skill. It’s a good young team, right? So, they’re never out of it. … Got a real big save from Spencer when we needed it. So, everybody had a little piece. But I think penalty kill and power play were the defining pieces to our game today.”
Spencer Knight made 24 saves in the Florida win.
Rasmus Dahlin cut the Panthers lead to 4-3 with a goal in the seocnd period, the game ended with the 4-3 final.
Matthew Tkachuk had a goal for the Panthers.
“I said it at the beginning of the year, points, individual stuff like [that], I’m past the point of caring about that stuff,” Tkachuk said. “I don’t care what the individual stuff at all. I’m here to win games and I’m having a great time doing, it. … It’s an unbelievably tight group and I’m very lucky to be a part of it.”
Alex Tuch and Zemgus Girgensons also scored for the Sabres, both goals coming in the opening period.
Colin White scored for Florida in the fist period to tie the game, 1-1.
“The power play had an awful lot of chances in (0-for-5 in 3-1 win at the New York Islanders on Thursday) and didn’t score,” Maurice said. “And I thought they got faster here tonight, which is a really good sign, right? They didn’t slow the game down.”
Eric Comrie made 33 saves in the Sabres loss.
“It was fun to get into it,” Comrie said. “I thought the guys played a heck of a game. I mean, some bad bounces, but that’s the way it goes. I thought the guys in front of me played awesome. I just enjoy playing behind them, enjoy playing on this team because these guys battle so hard. It’s just a pleasure to be with the guys.”
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