The Florida Panthers can’t seem to find the net when it comes to shoot out situations this season. The Panthers scored late in the 3rd period to tie the Buffalo Sabres and force overtime, only to fall in the shoot out for the 2nd time in 3 games.

David Booth got Florida on the board first in the 1st period with a goal on a penalty shot at 16:29 of the period, giving Florida the 1-0 lead at the intermission. The Panthers would hold the lead through most of the 2nd period until Buffalo scored at 18:03 to tie the game at 1-1 heading into the 3rd period. Buffalo would take a 2-1 lead early in the 3rd period, scoring on the power play. Florida would pull even at 2-2 through Nathan Horton at 16:36 of the period to force overtime.

In the overtime session the Panthers outshot the Sabres 3-2, but neither team could find the back of the net, forcing a shoot out to decide the winner. It was over quick in the shoot out as Florida would have both attempts saved while Buffalo would score on both attempts, giving the Sabres a 3-2 OT win.

Florida played well, outshooting the Sabres in 2 of the 3 periods, and the overtime session. Florida was unfortunate to not score in the 2nd period (while allowing a tying goal) despite outshooting the Sabres and really controlling the pace of the game. David Booth scored his team leading 19th goal. The Panthers did manage to pick up a point tonight, keeping them ahead of Carolina for 2nd in the division and 1pt behind the Pittsburgh Pengiuns for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. It will be very important for the Panthers to head into the All Star break on a roll, because upon their return from the break they will be in the midst of a tough playoff hunt.