The Buffalo Sabres secured a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers on Friday at Amerant Bank Arena. Beck Malenstyn scored the decisive goal with just over eight minutes left in the third period, delivering a slap shot that broke a 1-1 tie. The Panthers challenged the play for goaltender interference, but officials upheld the goal.
Alex Tuch contributed to the Sabres’ win by scoring during a first-period power play and assisting later in the game. Peyton Krebs added an empty-net goal late in the third period, marking his fifth of the season and tying him for the NHL lead in that category.
Goaltender Alex Lyon made 27 saves on 29 shots for Buffalo. Lyon finished the season series against Florida with three wins and no losses, while Buffalo took three out of four games against their division rival.
With this win, Buffalo now has 74 points and holds second place in the Atlantic Division, leading Florida by 11 points.
After Friday’s game, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said: “We played hard tonight and found a way to get it done when it mattered most.”
The Sabres will conclude their road trip Saturday with a matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on MSG.
