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Enroth helps Sabres shut out Hurricanes
Buffalo backup Jhonas Enroth got a chance to make up for a bad game right away.
With Ryan Miller out following a concussion last weekend, Enroth got the start even after he gave up five goals two days earlier.
He atoned and then some, making 34 saves for his first shutout of the season, helping the Sabres beat the Carolina Hurricanes 1-0 Friday night.
''After a game when you play like that, you just want to get out there again,'' Enroth, said. ''I'm happy I got the start right after that game.''
Jason Pominville scored for Buffalo, which won its seventh road game.
''We've been a pretty good road team,'' Pominville said. ''We're happy with the way we play on the road.''
Carolina's now lost seven of its last eight games to sink to the bottom of the Southeast Division standings and prompt speculation about the job security of coach Paul Maurice.
The Hurricanes have only scored nine goals in their last seven losses and have been shut out in back-to-back games after losing 4-0 in Montreal on Wednesday.
''The zero on our side tonight and the zero on our side against Montreal are two completely different animals,'' Maurice said. ''We had maybe some chances in Montreal, but gave up 10 to get each one we got.''
Backup goalie Brian Boucher made 19 saves for the Hurricanes while starting in place of Cam Ward. Boucher's yet to post a win this season.
Pominville extended his point streak to six games midway through the first period. With the Sabres on the power play, he finished a scramble in front of Boucher by smacking a rebound into the top-right corner of the net. Pominville has three goals and five assists during his streak.
Thomas Vanek got an assist on the play for his eighth point (three goals, five assists) in his last six games. He and Pominville have combined on a goal 19 times this season.
Despite the team's struggles, Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford said Thursday he had no plans to make any major changes.
Even with the high shot attempts, Carolina had few golden scoring chances, although Enroth made a nice glove stop on Eric Staal's wrist shot early in the third period.
''I think Ehrhoff tipped that shot,'' Enroth said. ''I was a little lucky on that save. That was a pretty good save, actually.''
The Sabres, who have the third-best penalty kill in the league, did have to kill a late Carolina power play.
It was only the third time this season the Hurricanes had allowed fewer than two goals.
''That was the best all-around team game that we've played this year,'' Maurice said. ''It's a game we hope we can replicate. They did exactly what I'd asked them to do.''
NOTES: Buffalo hosts Phoenix on Saturday night. The Sabres lead the NHL with 21 back-to-back games this season. ... Carolina's Anthony Stewart played after being scratched the previous three games. ... Miller was hurt Nov. 12 against Boston.
