NHL: Buffalo 5, Florida 3

BUFFALO, N.Y., March 25 (UPI) -- Tim Connolly scored the game-winner in a four-goal third period Wednesday in the Buffalo Sabres' 5-3 comeback win over the Florida Panthers.

Florida led 3-1 before Jason Pominville started Buffalo's comeback with his 16th goal this season at 6:14 of the third.

Clarke MacArthur's 14th at 7:05 created a 3-3 tie.

Connolly's 14th (power play) gave Buffalo a 4-3 lead at 8:21 before Maxim Afinogenov 5 (empty net, unassisted) capped the scoring.

Pominville also had two assists. Netminder Mikael Tellqvist made 30 saves on 33 shots for the Sabres, who snapped a four-game losing streak.

They are five points behind Montreal in the race for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Florida got one goal each from Brett McLean, Richard Zednik and Michael Frolik.

Netminder Tomas Vokoun gave up four goals on 44 shots for the Panthers, who have lost seven of eight and remain two points behind the Canadiens.