Sabres Hang On for 4-3 Win

Daniel Briere scored twice and the Buffalo Sabres hung on for a 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night.

Ales Kotalik had a goal and an assist, and Chris Drury also scored to give the Sabres a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. Buffalo rallied with four consecutive goals to take a 4-1 lead 13 minutes into the second period, taking advantage of Carolina’s lack of discipline.

Buffalo converted two of seven power-play chances, but Kotalik’s eventual winner came on a delayed penalty.

Eric Staal cut Buffalo’s lead to 4-3 with 4:08 left, but Buffalo weathered the final flurry in which Carolina outshot the Sabres, 11-4, in the third period and 3-0 in the last two minutes.

Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller stopped Ray Whitney in the slot with 13 seconds left and Sabres rookie Jason Pominville got his skate out to block the Hurricanes’ final shot, Matt Cullen’s slap shot from the top of the left circle.

Cory Stillman scored twice for Carolina.