Anton Lundell broke a third-period tie and A.J. Greer scored twice as the Florida Panthers held off the Buffalo Sabres for a 4-3 victory Monday night.
Lundell’s go-ahead goal at 11:07 of the third period proved to be the difference, capping a tight, back-and-forth game and lifting Florida to its second straight win. Greer, who recorded his second two-goal game of the season, played a key role as well, scoring once early and sealing the outcome with an empty-netter late.
Sam Reinhart opened the scoring for the Panthers with a power-play goal just 2:30 into the first period, but Buffalo answered when Jacob Bryson tied the game at 10:19. Greer restored Florida’s lead at 15:11 of the opening frame, making it 2-1 heading into the intermission.
The Sabres pulled even again late in the second period when Zach Benson scored at 17:57 to make it 2-2. Josh Doan picked up the assist on the goal, extending his point streak to six games.
Lundell gave the Panthers a 3-2 advantage midway through the third, and Greer followed with an empty-net goal at 18:46 to push the lead to 4-2. Buffalo made it interesting in the final minute when Alex Tuch scored with 59 seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to one, but the Panthers closed it out.
Sergei Bobrovsky finished with 20 saves for Florida, while Colten Ellis stopped 28 shots for Buffalo. In addition to Bryson, Benson and Tuch, the Sabres got a strong effort despite suffering just their second loss in the past 15 games.
Brad Marchand missed his third straight game for Florida with an undisclosed injury.
The Panthers, who rebounded after opening a six-game road trip with two losses, will close out the trip with games at Carolina on Friday and Washington on Saturday. The Sabres continue a five-game homestand Wednesday against Philadelphia.
