Buffalo continued to bring out the best in Roberto Luongo as the goalie recorded his third straight shutout at First Niagara Center on Friday.
The Florida Panthers came away 2-0 winners over the Buffalo Sabres thanks to Luongo's exceptional effort. It was the second shutout this year for Luongo with the other coming on October 17th in Buffalo as well. Last season while with the Vancouver Canucks, Luongo also recorded a shutout in the same building.
The Sabres sent a total of 30 shots Luongo's way and he stopped every single one of them. Not only did Luongo continue his dominance in Buffalo but he moved up in the history books as well. The shutout was the 68th of Luongo's career which moved him into 13th all-time in the NHL.
For Florida, it was an important win to get as it came at the start of a six-game road trip. The Panthers are currently ninth in the conference standings even after the victory. Overall Florida is 17-10-9 this year which is good for 43 points.
Both of Florida's goals came in the first period and it was all the team would need. The first arrived at the 3:29 mark when Brad Boyes put home his seventh of the season. Aleksander Barkov and Sean Bergenheim assisted Boyes on the goal.
During a power play at the 11:51 mark, Nick Bjugstad scored his 14th goal of the year. Assists were credited to Jimmy Hayes and Aaron Ekblad. Bjugstad continues to pace the team with his 14 goals.
The road trip will continue on Sunday when the Panthers visit Washington, D.C. to take on the Capitals.
