BUFFALO - Daniel Briere scored twice and the Buffalo Sabres hung on for a 4-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night.

Ales Kotalik had a goal and assist, and Chris Drury also scored to give the Sabres a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals series. Buffalo rallied with four consecutive goals to take a 4-1 lead 13 minutes into the second period, taking advantage of Carolina's lack of discipline.

Buffalo converted two of seven power-play chances, while Kotalik's eventual winner came on a delayed penalty.

Eric Staal cut Buffalo's lead to 4-3 with 4:08 remaining, but Buffalo weathered the final flurry in which Carolina outshot the Sabres 11-4 in the third period and 3-0 in the last 2 minutes.

Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller stopped Ray Whitney in the slot with 13 seconds remaining and Sabres rookie Jason Pominville got his skate out to block the Hurricanes' final shot, Matt Cullen's slapper from the top of the left circle.

Cory Stillman scored twice for Carolina, which appeared to grab the momentum in the series following a 4-3 win in North Carolina on Monday. The Hurricanes failed to follow through, and things became so bad that rookie Cam Ward was pulled in favor of backup Martin Gerber after giving up four goals on 26 shots.

Game 4 of the best-of-seven series is Friday at Buffalo.