BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Nathan Gerbe scored in the third period to break a tie and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 in the pre-season opener for both teams.
Gerbe, who added two assists, scored on a tip-in from the slot, where he converted a lead pass from Paul Gaustad.
Gaustad scored in the opening minute of the third period to tie it. He put in a one-timer after Patrick Kaleta fed him from behind the net. Kaleta, who also had a goal and two assists, added an empty-net goal.
Brandon Sutter scored 23 seconds into the second period, giving Carolina a 1-0 lead on a backhander from the slot. Brian Boucher stopped all 14 shots he faced in two periods. Justin Peters played the third and allowed both Buffalo goals.
Drew MacIntyre started in goal for the Sabres and stopped nine of 10 shots. Jhonas Enroth turned aside 11 shots after entering the game midway through the second period.
