Fast-starting Florida Panthers beat Buffalo Sabres 7-4
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Defenseman Alex Petrovic scored in the opening minute of the second period to cap Florida's four-goal opening surge, and the Panthers coasted to a 7-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.
Florida scored seven goals for the second time this season after managing just two in its past two games, including a 3-0 loss at Detroit on Monday night.
Reilly Smith scored twice, including an empty-netter, and added an assist. Petrovic, Jussi Jokinen and Brian Campbell had a goal and assist apiece for the Atlantic Division leaders.
Rookie Sam Reinhart scored two second-period power-play goals for Buffalo. Evander Kane and Mike Weber scored goals in the final 10 minutes of the third period.
Florida's Roberto Luongo stopped 30 shots to improve to 14-2-2 in his past 18 starts.
Jaromir Jagr and Brandon Pirri also scored in helping Florida improve to 6-1-1 in its past eight.
