from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

Led by netminder Linus Ullmark's 36-save effort, the Sabres edged the Florida Panthers by a 3-2 count, the third straight win for Buffalo and its fifth in the past six outings.

Cody Franson, who signed late in the offseason, is starting to fit in after a bit of a rough start and scored the Sabres' second goal, while emerging young defensive star Rasmus Restolainen had two assists.

Over the course of this six-game stretch the Sabres, so grisly in their own end the past couple of years, have allowed just 11 goals. And remember, this fine play is happening without starting netminder Robin Lehner (lost at the start of the season), Zach Bogosian and Evander Kane. Let's not start planning the parade, or even the playoff scenarios, but the Sabres have made significant headway in a short period of time under head coach Dan Bylsma.

more on the Sabres from the stable of hockey writers at ESPN...