Nilsson helps Sabres turn boos to cheers

After getting booed off the ice in their previous home game, the Buffalo Sabres received a standing ovation from the crowd at KeyBank Center on Saturday.

Anders Nilsson made 33 saves and Sam Reinhart had a goal and an assist for Buffalo in a 3-0 victory over the Florida Panthers.

Johan Larsson and Kyle Okposo also scored and the Sabres snapped a four-game winless streak.

Buffalo had one goal in its first two home games, but scored in all three periods Saturday.

“That’s the way we have to play,” Reinhart said. “Right from the start with that mentality, and that’s been the struggle this year. To finally come out with a big push in the first and continue that with all four lines was important for us tonight.”

The Panthers have lost five of six and are winless in the first three games of a fourgame trip.

Nilsson, starting his third straight game in place of Robin Lehner, made 13 saves in the third period. Florida’s Vincent Trocheck shot high on a penalty shot with 57 seconds left.

It was the first shutout for Nilsson since March 4, 2012, during his rookie season with the Edmonton Oilers.

“Of course, that’s always nice, but I think the most important thing is the two points we got tonight,” Nilsson said. “That’s huge for us and it means a lot for our confidence.”