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Recap: Jagr’s two goals help Panthers beat Sabres 3-2

The Buffalo Sabres currently have a youth movement in their organization. High draft picks and top players all under the age of 25 will hopefully lead to years and years of success.

But last night, a 43-year old man showed the youngsters just how far they still have to go to be contenders in the East. And then he doled out of some of the finest sporps advice I’ve seen in a while.

“Sometimes the puck goes in, sometimes it doesn’t,” Jagr said. “It doesn’t matter what you do. I learned that over 25 years. Right now the puck is going in, so I’m trying to shoot it.”

It’s that simple, kids.

Jagr scored twice and added an assist on Aleksander Barkov’s game winner in the third to lead the Panthers over the Sabres. Florida got out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to Jagr, who scored both Panthers goals, one on the power play. The Sabres would come back with goals from Jake McCabe and Tyler Ennis, but couldn’t put any sustained pressure on in the end, and fell to the much-improved Panthers 3-2.

Roberto Luongo continued his excellent streak of play against Buffalo, making 24 saves on 26 shots, and while it’s never fun to watch the Sabres lose, at least they kept the shots close and the game entertaining. Chad Johnson got the start again in net for the Sabres, making 26 saves himself.

The Sabres will play again and get their second chance to beat the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.

Three Questions

1. How will the Sabres respond in their first road game?

The Sabres came out of the gate a bit flat last night, getting outshot 12-7 and falling behind 2-0 in the first period. While they came back with a much stronger second and third period, it’s a bit disconcerting to see yet another game where the Sabres are stymied in the first period before turning it on.

2. Which #2 pick will have a bigger impact on the game?

Sorry Jack, but this game belonged to Aleksander Barkov, who scored a goal and an assist compared to Eichel’s two shots and -1 rating.

3. Will Brian Gionta play?

He did, on a line with Eichel and Evander Kane, and finished with three shots, two hits, and an 80% win rate in the faceoff dot. Gionta’s presence pushed David Legwand to the press box, which saddened Legwand’s parents, maybe.

Comment of the Game

I can’t even express in words

How much fun this season is already. Love this team, so much potential. I don’t mind if they lose most nights, they’re fun to watch and will only get better. I’m happy.

Highlights