Panthers Pick Up Another Point in Buffalo

The Buffalo Sabres were able to defeat the Florida Panthers for the first time this year on Saturday by a final score of 4-3.

The win came in overtime and the goal was scored quickly in that period. After only 29 seconds, Florida was handed its eighth overtime loss of the season. Despite the loss, the Panthers gained another point and kept hold of the eighth and final playoff spot. The Panthers have 32 points this season to go along with a 12-8-8 record.

In two previous meetings this season, Florida had come away victorious over Buffalo. The first came at First Niagara Center early in the year. The other win was just over a week ago at BB&T Center.

Florida trailed 2-0 after one period but made the most of the second period. About a minute into the second period, Sean Bergenheim buried his fifth goal of the year. The assist on that goal went to Brad Boyes.

A few minutes later, the Panthers would tie the game on Jimmy Hayes' seventh goal of the season. Bergenheim and Dmitry Kulikov picked up assists on the score.

The 57-second mark of the third period featured Jussi Jokinen's third goal of the season. At the time, it gave the Panthers a 3-2 lead. Dave Bolland assisted on the go-ahead goal. This marked the second straight game with an assist for Bolland.

In the back half of a back-to-back, the start was given to Al Montoya. The goalie ended up allowing the four goals on 32 save chances. Montoya has a 2-2-2 mark this season in his limited action.