How Buffalo fared against the Hurricanes in 2023/2024

The Buffalo Sabres saw the Carolina Hurricanes three times during the 2023/2024 season. Two of the games were in Carolina and one was in Buffalo. How did the Sabres fare against the Canes? November 7 was the first time these two teams met in Raleigh. Whenever Buffalo visits Carolina, it doesn't bode well for the blue and gold.

Only one goal was scored in the first period as Tony DeAngelo gave Carolina a 1-0 lead. In the second period, the only goal came from Alex Tuch. The Hurricanes regained the lead but a couple of minutes later, Rasmus Dahlin tied it up 2-2. With no more goals scored, this game would be determined in either overtime or a shootout.

It didn't last long as Martin Necas scored a minute and a half into overtime giving Carolina the 3-2 victory. Almost a month later, they would play the second game in Carolina. This game was a disaster for Buffalo as they were down 5-0 heading into the third period. The Sabres scored two goals in the third but lost the game 6-2.

For the last game, Buffalo hosted the Hurricanes in late February. Just like the first game, DeAngelo gave Carolina the 1-0 lead. Jeff Skinner haunted his former team as he scored to make it 1-1 on the power play in the second period. It's when the final frame started that the game picked up.

After a controversial penalty, Martin Necas scored on the power play they were given. It seemed like that was the nail in the coffin for the Sabres. However, it wasn't. Owen Power, who came back from injury, tied the game at 2-2 after a great pass from Peyton Krebs. There were no goals scored in a very entertaining overtime, so a shootout was needed to determine a winner.

Nobody scored in the shootout until Casey Mittelstadt gave the advantage to Buffalo, who just needed one more stop from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to steal the victory. UPL did just that and Buffalo won a thrilling game in what was one of the most exciting wins during the season.