Sunrise, F.L. (WGR Sports Radio 550) – The Florida weekend started on a high note for the Buffalo Sabres.

In all facets it was a strong result for the blue and gold — two points for them, none for Florida, and a 3-1-0 record against the Panthers as the season series culminated inside Amerant Bank Arena on Friday night.

BIG DUB IN FLORIDA 😤#LetsGoBuffalo | @SenecaBuffalo pic.twitter.com/gTDgmEPWEF

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) February 28, 2026

With 2:12 left on the first period clock, the Sabres opened the scoring. The second powerplay went to work, as Ryan McLeod found Alex Tuch in the slot. Tuch deposited his 23rd goal of the season give Buffalo a 1-0 lead.

What’s better, the feed or the shot?! 💥#LetsGoBuffalo | #sabrehood pic.twitter.com/FK983gu0od

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) February 28, 2026

In the second period, Florida tied things up on a man advantage of its own. Michael Kesselring was called for a hooking minor at the 13:45 mark, and just six-seconds later forward Matthew Tkachuk beat Alex Lyon to make it a 1-1 contest.

With the game still tied about eight-and-a-half minutes into the third, a couple of Sabres switched up their usual roles to fuel the go-ahead score.

Beck Malenstyn accepted a drop pass as he entered the offensive zone, and stepped into a slapshot from long range. Parked in front of the Panthers net was Mattias Samuelsson, who muddied the lane of goalie Daniil Tarasov.

LET’S GO BECK‼️#LetsGoBuffalo | #sabrehood pic.twitter.com/ROP4QaopX4

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) February 28, 2026

The goal was challenged by Florida head coach Paul Maurice, but it was to no avail. Malenstyn’s fifth goal of 2025-26 stood as called, and the Sabres were awarded a powerplay for the unsuccessful Panthers challenge.

Then, with 1:17 left in regulation, Peyton Krebs extended the advantage to two. His speciality, the empty-net goal, came as timely as it ever could’ve. Especially considering Florida jammed home its second goal moments later.

Krebs’ tally proved to be the game-winning goal in the Sabres’ second win in as many games since the end of the Olympic break.

The blue and gold ended the night in a tie for second place in the Atlantic Division with the Detroit Red Wings. Both teams are six points behind the first-place Tampa Bay Lightning, who the Sabres visit tomorrow evening.

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SCORING RECAP:

First Period:
BUF: 17:48 – Alex Tuch (23) PPG (Ryan McLeod, Bowen Byram)
FLA: NONE

Second Period:
BUF: NONE
FLA: 13:51 – Matthew Tkachuk (5) PPG (Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand)

Third Period:
BUF: 11:38 – Beck Malenstyn (5) (Josh Norris, Noah Ostlund); 18:43 – Peyton Krebs (9) ENG (Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch)
FLA: 19:25 – Sam Bennett (20) (Unassisted)

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STATS OF THE GAME

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Bluestar Home Services Three Stars of the Game:

1. Beck Malenstyn – BUF
2. Alex Lyon – BUF
3. Matthew Tkachuk – FLA

What’s Next:

As mentioned, the blue and gold visit the Tampa Bay Lightning tomorrow night, February 28. Puck drop at Benchmark International Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET with Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray on the call.