Sabres match X Generation Penguins' losing streak record

The 2003-04 "X Generation" Penguins are one Buffalo loss away from being expunged from the NHL's record books.

The Sabres on Monday night tied the 2003-04 Penguins for the league's all-time losing streak record with their 18th consecutive loss.

The Penguins' streak began on Jan. 13, 2004 with a 3-1 loss to the Lightning. They didn't win again until Feb. 25, 2004 when Ric Jackman scored the overtime game-winner against the Coyotes:

The Sabres matched the streak in dramatic fashion

The Sabres held a 3-0 lead entering the third period of Monday's game against the Flyers at KeyBank Arena. 

Kevin Hayes broke the shutout early in the third period, and Claude Giroux brought the Flyers within one goal midway through the frame. Late in the third period, Buffalo's Tage Thompson missed on an empty net shot when the Flyers had Brian Elliott pulled in favor of the extra attacker. The Flyers recovered the puck and Sean Couturier tied the game with 1:29 left on the clock. Ivan Provorov scored the game-winner for the Flyers in overtime.

"All you can take from this game is, did this experience make you better?" Sabres interim head coach Don Granato said after the game. "So, now it's our job to make certain that happens. Because we went through it."

The Sabres will play the Flyers again on Wednesday. A loss would be their 19th in a row, giving them sole possession of the record.