After losing nine out of their last 10 games, Buffalo has finally snapped their losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers.
The Sabres (11-9-3) had lost nine of their previous 10 games struck first late into the first period, with a goal from Jeff Skinner, his 14th of the season, assisted by Jack Eichel, at 16:24. About two minutes later, Zemgus Girgensons scores, bringing the Sabres up by two. Linus Ullmark made an incredible shorthanded breakaway save, as well as acting as a brick wall to keep the Panthers (12-7-5) scoreless throughout the first. Evan Rodrigues, only recording 40 seconds of ice time, left with an injury and did not return. Following the game, Head Coach Ralph Krueger said Rodrigues will not play Monday night.
Colton Sceviour is denied shorthanded on a breakaway by Linus Ullmark: pic.twitter.com/ZnrX7MX4xs
— The Rat Trick (@FanSidedTheRat) November 24, 2019
The Sabres remained on top in the second period, advancing with a wrist shot goal by Jack Eichel, his 14th through 23 games this season, assisted by Zach Bogosian and Rasmus Dahlin at 3:42. The Panthers would strike back with their first goal at 9:29, scored by Noel Acciari. Buffalo was able to keep up their momentum and come back, striking at 14:41 with a goal scored by Victor Olofsson, assisted by Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel. Eichel’s assist gave him 3 points for the night. This has been his fifth game with three or more points this season, surpassing his total from last season. Ullmark continued his hot streak with 27 saves at this point in the game.
Captain @Jackeichel15's leaving his mark on this game, folks. pic.twitter.com/X12JTawhM2
— NHL (@NHL) November 24, 2019
Victor Olofsson (@vickeo), no stranger to scoring goals. pic.twitter.com/cv74xwHMXo
— NHL (@NHL) November 24, 2019
Florida got an early start in the third period, scoring their second, and final goal at 3:08 on the power play — scored by Brett Connolly assisted by Aaron Ekblad and Vincent Trocheck. Connolly’s goal was the eighth consecutive power-play goal per game allowed by the Sabres. A scary moment for Buffalo when Marco Scandella headed to the locker room after blocking a shot, but he returned to the bench not long after. At 13:24, Girgensons, scored his second goal of the night, off his own rebound, handing the Panthers their first back-to-back loss of the season.
Despite this being Ullmark’s first third consecutive start of the season, he had a great performance with 39 saves.
Buffalo will finish up their three-game road trip Monday night at 7 p.m. against the Tampa Bay Lightning.