Jeff Skinner scored his 20th goal of the season, that gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead over the Florida Panthers midway through the first period. Sam Reinhart made the cross-ice pass in the offensive zone that helped open up the net for Skinner. Reinhart and Jack Eichel were credited with the assists on the game's first goal.

The first penalty of the game was taken by Rasmus Ristolainen. Buffalo's rear guard was called for interference. The blue and gold were able to kill off the minor to preserve their one-goal lead. Later in the period Rasmus Dahlin was called for a hooking minor, sending the Sabres back to the penalty kill.

However, a Jared McCann shot on the power play was tipped on the way to the net and was able to reach the net to tie the game at 1-1. McCann's shot hit the stick of Zach Bogosian on its way into the net with Dahlin in the penalty box. Michael Matheson was given the lone assist on the goal.

Goal Summary

First Period

BUF: 10:55 - Jeff Skinner (20) (Sam Reinhart, Jack Eichel)
FLA: 18:31 - Jared McCann (5) PPG (Michael Matheson)

Penalty Summary

First Period

BUF: 11:48 - Rasmus Ristolainen (2 min., interference). 16:40 - Rasmus Dahlin (2 min., hooking)
FLA: none

Shots on Goal

BUF - 6, FLA - 14