North Raleigh Today

The Buffalo Sabres claimed a 3-0 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes at the KeyBank Center, despite 33 shots on goal from the visiting team. Former Hurricanes goaltender James Reimer secured the shutout for Buffalo, effectively staving off Carolina's offensive efforts.

The opening period remained scoreless until Buffalo's Tage Thompson scored just over a minute into the second period. The Hurricanes had opportunities to respond, particularly during two power plays, but Alex Tuch capitalized on a shorthanded situation to extend the Sabres' lead. JJ Peterka furthered the team's advantage shortly into the third period.

Carolina's Pyotr Kochetkov recorded 15 saves on 18 shots, marking his fourth defeat in five games. The Hurricanes' loss is their second shutout in Buffalo since the team's relocation, echoing a 5-0 setback in November 2003.

Despite the loss, Carolina tied with the Dallas Stars for the most games this season without allowing a power-play goal. However, their power play has struggled, being held scoreless in 28 games with opportunities since January 1, a record tying for second-most in the league over the period.

Forwards Jordan Staal and Andrei Svechnikov returned to the lineup, having missed previous games. Coach Rod Brind'Amour provided an update that Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to be out for about a week.

Addressing the game, Brind'Amour remarked, "They're looking a little similar...you've got to score some goals, obviously." He acknowledged defensive lapses and offensive struggles, adding, "We've got to get more people at the net. That's the old adage."

Jordan Staal commented on the challenges they faced, noting, "They're a talented team...when you're chasing the game and giving them freebies, it's hard to win in this league."

Brind'Amour highlighted the contributions of Kochetkov: "He battled...we can't put it on him. We didn't score any goals, so it's irrelevant."

Looking ahead, Staal emphasized the importance of improving ahead of the playoffs. "We're just a little bit off of our game when it looks like that," he stated, underscoring the need to solidify their identity and build momentum.

Brind'Amour remained optimistic, insisting, "We're still in good shape. We've got to get a little better...but we just have to find a goal here or there."

Following the game, the Hurricanes are set to travel to Washington, D.C., where they will practice on Wednesday and face the Washington Capitals on Thursday.