The Buffalo Sabres fell into the typical style of play favored by the Florida Panthers and lost 5-2. While the Sabres kept pace with the Panthers and displayed aggression, they ended up being the undisciplined side. This game illustrated why the Sabres aren’t yet ready to contend with the league’s elite teams.
Buffalo was controlling the game during the first half of the opening period until Jesper Boqvist scored for Florida. Sam Reinhart quickly followed with a power-play goal, putting the Sabres in a position where they were forced to chase the game. In the second period, Jason Zucker scored his second power-play goal in two games, but Rasmus Dahlin equalized soon after. However, a late defensive mistake allowed Carter Verhaeghe to put Florida back in the lead before the third period.
The third saw increased physicality, with Dahlin taking an unnecessary roughing penalty that led to a power-play goal by Sam Bennett. Aleksander Barkov sealed the game with a goal in the final minutes, marking a successful return to the lineup with a goal and an assist.
Three key aspects highlighted why the Panthers are more advanced than the Sabres: Buffalo incurred too many penalties, made numerous defensive errors, and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen couldn’t deliver crucial saves when they were needed.
Dahlin’s penalty, which resulted in Florida’s fourth goal, was particularly deflating in a game that had been competitive otherwise; he got caught up in the moment as the Panthers, known for their tactics, managed to get under the Sabres’ skin.
Additionally, Connor Clifton contributed to the Sabres’ woes with a poor cross-check, leading to six minor penalties that provided one of the NHL’s top power plays with four opportunities.
Examining each of the Panthers’ goals, the Sabres were out of position and made poor coverage choices. Bowen Byram found himself out of position in the offensive zone, allowing Boqvist and Anton Lundell a two-on-one opportunity. Reinhart’s power-play goal came from a solid pass by Barkov, but Dahlin skated behind the net instead of covering Reinhart. Similarly, three Sabres converged on Matthew Tkachuk while leaving Verhaeghe unmarked in front.
Bennett and Barkov’s goals resulted from the Sabres giving them too much time and space. Ideally, Luukkonen would have made saves in these scenarios, but the Panthers’ talent makes it difficult to concede that much room.
Until recently, goaltending hadn’t been a problem for the Sabres, but Luukkonen struggled against the Florida Panthers after previously having support against the Detroit Red Wings. Coach Lindy Ruff, frustrated after the game, acknowledged the defensive errors while emphasizing that Luukkonen was not at fault for being caught out of position.
With games scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Luukkonen is expected to split time with Devon Levi, who will also be looking to recover from a previous poor outing. The Sabres need consistent goaltending to improve their play and confidence in their young goalie duo.
