The depleted Florida Panthers saw their playoff hopes take a hit as they were beaten 3-1 by the Buffalo Sabres at FLA Live Arena.
On Monday, former Panthers Dmitry Kulikov and Frank Vatrano almost sparked the Anaheim Ducks to an upset win. Last night, ex-Cat Craig Anderson was able to accomplish the mission, stopping 53 of 54 shots for Buffalo to earn First Star honors.
Carter Verhaeghe scored Florida’s lone goal, cutting the Sabres lead to 2-1 at 8:24 of the third period, by beating Anderson’s glove from the right circle. Anthony Duclair, playing in his first game of the season, picked up the primary assist and Eetu Luostarinen got the secondary.