Sabres fall to 'Canes

For the fourth time in five games the Sabres left with a loss. This time it was to the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Sabres headed to the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina for the first game of a back to back Friday and Saturday. The game started off slow with no scoring or penalties in the first 20 minutes.

The second period was much more exciting. A Mike Weber high-sticking penalty lead to the first goal of the night off the stick of Justin Faulk from the point gave the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead. However, the Sabres responded quick with a rebound goal from Thomas Vanek 21 seconds later to tie it up at 1.

Bryan Allen and Tyler Myers took minor penalties in the second that lead to no goals but some exciting scoring opportunities and chances.

The third period went to the 'Canes with three goals. Captain Eric Staal opened the period's scoring with a behind the net shot off of Miller. A shot off the back boards came right to Staal and he caught Miller sliding and put it in off his backside to regain the lead for the Hurricanes.

The Sabres made it a fight only six minutes later when a lucky bounce went the Sabres way. Pominville got credit for the goal which seemed to give the Sabres a chance.

However, Friday was not the Sabres night when goals from Chad LaRose and Brandon Sutter broke the game open for Carolina.

Eric Staal was the first star of the game with a goal and two assists.

The loss in the standings hurts the Sabres but the biggest loss of the game was Derek Roy who went down with an injury and will "miss some time" as per Lundy Ruff.

The Sabres next matchup is tonight versus the newly reformed Winnipeg Jets at the First Niagara Center.

The Sabres need to get a win streak together if they want any chance at making a run towards the playoffs in Spring. They have not had back to back wins since before Thanksgiving. And with only two home games remaining in January tonight would be a good night to start one up.