ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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BUFFALO — Up 4-0 in the second period, the Buffalo Sabres nearly let the Carolina Hurricanes back in the game Monday night, but held on for a 4-3 win.

A Sabres loss Monday would have ensured them 30th place overall in the NHL this season and assured them either the first of second pick in the NHL 2015 entry draft.

Mikhail Grigorenko scored the Sabres first goal at 5:41 of the first period, assisted by Brian Gionta and Zach Bogosian. Gionta made it 2-0 at 15:03, unassisted.

In the second period, Johan Larsson put the Sabres up 3-0 at 1:18, assisted by Tyler Ennis and Bogosian. Ennis then made it 4-0 Buffalo at 16:48. Larsson and Matt Moulson assisted. Carolina's first goal didn't come until 18:06 in the third period when Patrick Dwyer scored, assisted by Jay McClement and John-Michael Liles.

Carolina cut the lead in half at 2:31 of the third period with an Alexander Semin goal, assisted by Eric Staal and Liles. Then Staal made it 4-3 at 14:38, unassisted.

NOTES: 

• Anders Lindback made a career-best 49 saves, topping his previous high of 44, set on March 17 at Boston.
• With a goal and an assist tonight, Brian Gionta now has five multi-point games in his last eight games played. Gionta has recorded 14 points (5+9) in his last 12 games.
• Tyler Ennis scored his 20th goal of the season, marking his third 20-goal year. With 45 points (20+25) this season, he has posted his highest total since he recorded a career-high 49 points in 2010-11.
• His assist Monday night gives Matt Moulson 18 points (6+12) in his last 14 games against the Hurricanes, including 11 points (4+7) in his last six home games against Carolina.
• Johan Larsson tallied two points (1+1) in the game and now has 13 points (5+8) in his last 15 games.

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