On a night when the Florida Panthers might have closed the gap on the Boston Bruins, they laid an egg in a 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
“We didn’t play the way we’re supposed to,” Panthers head coach Tom Rowe said. “We weren’t prepared mentally or physically, and that’s what happens when you come into a 
building like this and they’re ready and we weren’t. That’s what happens.”
Ryan O’Reilly, Zach Bogosian and Brian Gionta scored for the Sabres to build a 3-0 lead.
Jonathan Marchessault broke the string of goals to make it 3-1.
Marcus Foligno‘s goal broke any momentum the Panthers may have gained from their goal to make 4-1.
Robin Lehner got the win on 30 saves.
For Gionta, the game marked his 1,000th NHL game.
“It was a special night for Brian and his family and one he richly deserved, but when he scored the goal, I think half our benched jumped up like it was a playoff goal,” Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma said. “I think everyone was pleased to see him get the reward and in a fitting way. It was kind of a goal scorer’s goal around the net.”
Jonathan Huberdeau closed out the scoring to make the final 4-2.
WATCH: All Panthers vs. Sabres highlights
James Reimer was given the proverbial hook after Foligno’s goal; he made 18 saves in the loss.
Reto Berra finished up the game with 10 saves.
“Any time you don’t win at this stage of the season it’s a tough one to swallow and there’s no accepting for that,” Florida’s Keith Yandle said.
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