BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Penguins fell to the Sabres, 4-2 on Sunday to split the two-game series here in Buffalo.
The Sabres opened the scoring just 26 seconds in the game when Arttu Ruotsalainen beat Casey DeSmith off of a 2-on-1 rush with Dylan Cozens.
Sam Reinhart extended the Sabres' lead early in the second period, set up by a cross-ice pass from Victor Olofsson.
Reinhart picked up another goal in the third period on a Sabres power play while Marcus Pettersson was in the penalty box for hooking. It was the eighth goal the penalty kill has allowed in the last eight games.
Jason Zucker snapped Dustin Tokarski's shutout midway through the third period off of a faceoff play, with Jeff Carter getting the assist for winning the draw.
An empty net goal from the Sabres late in the third period put the game out of reach.
Teddy Blueger scored with 23 seconds remaining in the game, but it was too late to make a difference.
The Penguins squandered a number of chances offensively, like Zucker opting to pass to Carter instead of shoot on a 2-on-1 in the second period.
"That was a terrible play," Zucker said after the game.
The Penguins squandered the opportunity to move within one point back of the Capitals with a game in hand for the division lead after Washington lost to Boston earlier in the day.