Sabres Vs Panthers: Malenstyn’s Late Goal Holds in 3-2 Road Win

The Buffalo Sabres beat the Florida Panthers 3-2 on Friday at Amerant Bank Arena, and the win vaults Buffalo into second place in the Atlantic Division with 74 points — 11 points ahead of Florida.

Sabres Vs Panthers: Malenstyn’s late slap shot stands after challenge

Beck Malenstyn scored the go-ahead goal with 8: 22 remaining in the third period on a slap shot from up high to break a 1-1 tie; the goal is listed at 11: 38 of the third period. Florida challenged the play for goaltender interference, but the officials ruled it a good goal.

Tuch opened the scoring; Krebs iced it

Alex Tuch put Buffalo ahead on a first-period power play at 17: 48 — Tuch's goal is recorded as Alex Tuch from Ryan McLeod and Bowen Byram. Tuch later added an assist on Peyton Krebs' empty-net goal, which came at 18: 43 of the third (EN) and is listed as Peyton Krebs from Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch. Krebs' tally was his fifth empty-netter of the season, tied for the NHL lead.

Scoring summary

• BUF 1, FLA 0 | Period 1, 17: 48 (PP) – Alex Tuch from Ryan McLeod and Bowen Byram
• BUF 1, FLA 1 | Period 2, 13: 51 (PP) – Matthew Tkachuk from Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand
• BUF 2, FLA 1 | Period 3, 11: 38 – Beck Malenstyn from Josh Norris and Noah Ostlund
• BUF 3, FLA 1 | Period 3, 18: 43 (EN) – Peyton Krebs from Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch
• BUF 3, FLA 2 | Period 3, 19: 23 – Sam Bennett (unassisted)

Netminder, season series and standings

Alex Lyon got the net for Buffalo and made 27 saves on 29 shots. He went 3-0-0 against the Panthers this season, and the Sabres went 3-1-0 in the season series. With the win Buffalo holds 74 points and will end the night in second place in the Atlantic Division.

Late Florida push and final moments

Florida tied the game in the second period on a power play goal at 13: 51 from Matthew Tkachuk with assists from Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand. After Malenstyn's go-ahead goal, Sam Bennett cut the deficit to 3-2 with an unassisted strike at 19: 23 of the third, but Peyton Krebs’ empty-netter sealed the final margin.

Road trip finale set for Tampa

The Sabres conclude their road trip Saturday at 7 p. m. against the Tampa Bay Lightning. MSG's pregame coverage starts at 6: 30. Watch the highlights from a nailbiter of a win in Florida.