There’s no slowing down Jaromir Jagr and the Florida Panthers.
The Sabres had a chance to put a stop to the Panthers’ winning streak, but Florida made it 10 consecutive victories with a 5-1 win on Tuesday night at the First Niagara Center.
Roberto Luongo has always performed well against Buffalo, and this game was no different. He stopped 31 of 32 shots to record the win.
Ryan O’Reilly scored the lone goal for the Sabres off a slick backhanded pass from Jack Eichel. The goal snapped Luongo’s shutout streak of 206 minutes, 18 seconds at the First Niagara Center. It ran over 10 periods and the last time the Sabres scored on him on home ice was back on Feb. 11, 2006.
With his assist, Eichel pushed his point streak to a career-best four games (2G, 4A) and now has 12 points (4G, 8A) in his last eight games.
The loss makes it five straight for the Sabres and they are now 0-4-1 in their last five home games. This game concludes the team’s three game homestand with nothing to show for.
“It’s not the way we wanted to play. I feel for the fans. We still weren’t detailed enough and playing with the intensity needs to be better and that’s on me. I’m supposed to be a leader.” – Ryan O’Reilly
Jaromir Jagr started the scoring, but the Panthers’ fourth line stepped up and got on the scoresheet as well. Derek MacKenzie and Corban Knight each netted a goal, and it would be more than enough.
Jonathan Huberdeau added one for insurance on a breakaway, and Brandon Pirri sealed the deal with an empty net goal.
Linus Ullmark received the start in net, stopping 21 of 25 shots on the night.
“No matter the situation, just have to keep focusing on the next puck,” Ullmark said. “Tomorrow’s a new day.”
Carlo Colaiacovo was in for Mike Weber and Tim Schaller replaced the injured Nicolas Deslauriers.
The Sabres are scheduled to take on the Chicago Blackhawks in their next game. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on Friday as Buffalo will be on the road.