The Sabres’ woes continued Tuesday night in Ottawa as they fell behind early and ended up losing 4-3 at Scotiabank Place. Down 4-1, the Sabres comeback attempt fell just short as they could not manage to tie the game late in the third period.
Chris Neil was left all alone in front of the Sabres net in the second period and he capitalized on his opportunity to put his team up by three, and that turned out to be the game-winning goal.
Buffalo had a great opportunity with the extra attacker in the final minute, but couldn’t score in a wild scrum in front of the Ottawa net.
Craig Anderson made 20 of 23 saves on the night, earning the win. At the other end, Jhonas Enroth stopped 20 of 24. Enroth is now 0-10-3 in his last 12 starts dating back to 11/26/11.
“I still think I can play in this league,” Enroth said. “I still think I can play very well.”
Thomas Vanek went without a point for the first time this season in his nine games.
Erik Karlsson started the scoring with a power play goal, but just 21 seconds Tyler Ennis tied the game with his 3rd goal of the season.
The Senators responded with a pair of goals before the first period came to an end. Chris Phillips and Daniel Alfredsson both beat Jhonas Enroth, giving Ottawa a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes of play.
Less than a minute later, Jordan Leopold tipped in a puck to cut the deficit down to two.
Jason Pominville brought the Sabres within one after deflecting a puck into the net off of his skate. Although it was originally ruled no goal, it was reviewed and reversed, making the score 4-3.
The loss brings the Sabres record to 1-6-1 in the last eight games, after starting the season with two straight victories. The Sabres have now dropped three straight and will look to avoid losing four straight for the second time this season on Thursday.
Adam Pardy made his Sabres debut and recorded an assist, two penalty minutes, two shots and three hits.
The Sabres were dominated on faceoffs 37-15 on the night.
The Sabres next game will be on Thursday against Montreal at the First Niagara Center. That game is schedule to start at 7 p.m.