The Carolina Hurricanes held a 1-0 lead going into the third period before allowing three straight goals, (including an empty netter), in a loss to the Buffalo Sabres in their preseason opener on Monday night. 

Just a few seconds into the second period, Zac Dalpe chipped the puck to a breaking Brandon Sutter who backhanded it past goalie Drew MacIntyre for Carolina's only goal.  The Canes outshot the Sabres in the first two periods, 8-7, and 10-7, but were dominated regarding that stat in the third by a 13-3 margin. 

Brian Boucher played the first two periods and allowed zero goals on 14 shots.  Justin Peters played the final period and allowed two goals on 12 shots.

The Hurricanes were at a big disadvantage in that period because Chad LaRose and Patrick Dwyer did not play due to, what's expected to be, minor injuries.  Without them, the club could only muster three shots on goal in that decisive period.

Coach Paul Maurice seemed pretty happy with the effort, especially in the first two periods.  You can listen to his postgame interview at the following link, along with Boucher's interview.

Paul Maurice 9 19 11

Brian Boucher 9 19 11

Quick Notes:

• Jerome Samson had a team high five shots on goal.  Jiri Tlusty, Drayson Bowman, Bryan Allen, and Sutter had three each.
• Tim Brent delivered as advertised in the faceoff circle and won 55% of his draws.  Jon Matsumoto won 67% while Sutter was at 44%.  Riley Nash finished just 1 of 7 for 13%.
• Allen led the team with three hits.  Justin Faulk and Brent had two each.

For more game related details, check out the Game Summary and Event Summary.

The team will be back to work at practice on Tuesday as the game group will be practicing at 10 a.m. and the non-game group will be scrimmaging at noon.