RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes continued their dominance on home ice, edging out the Buffalo Sabres in a tightly contested 2-1 victory on Monday. Seth Jarvis's power-play goal early in the third period proved to be the game-winner, securing the Hurricanes' third straight win.
The Hurricanes have now extended their home winning streak against the Sabres to an impressive 13 games, marking the league's longest active streak of its kind. Their overall record stands at 30-15-4, with a strong 17-8-1 showing at home.
Goaltender Brandon Bussi recorded 17 saves, earning his 18th win of the season. Bussi now holds the distinction of having the most victories for a goalie in his first 22 NHL starts.
The Sabres, who entered the game holding the East's second wild card spot, fell to 26-16-5 overall. Despite the loss, Buffalo has been one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference, finding a playoff position after an impressive run dating back to December 9.
Rasmus Dahlin got the Sabres on the board early, scoring just 1:33 into the game. Andrei Svechnikov responded for the Hurricanes, tying the score later in the first period. Svechnikov's goal was his fifth in the last three games. Sebastian Aho assisted on both of Carolina's goals, bringing his assist total to nine in the last five games. Jarvis's game-winning goal, his 22nd of the season, came just seven seconds into a power play at 2:10 of the third period.
The Hurricanes played the final two periods without winger Eric Robinson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the first period. Robinson was hurt when he was trying to score a loose puck when Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin hit Robinson’s shoulder.
The Hurricanes have been on a roll, winning six of their last eight games and improving their power play. Since December 5, their power play has jumped from 31st in the league to 13th.
Buffalo goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 26 of 28 shots. The Sabres are embarking on a five-game road trip.
Looking ahead, the Sabres will visit Nashville on Tuesday night, while the Hurricanes will host Chicago on Thursday night.
