Taking on the Bruins and the Rangers in back-to-back games is a daunting task, but the Sabres managed to take three out of four from the two teams.
Ryan Callahan netted the game-winner in overtime to send the Sabres home with just one point on the night. The Rangers trailed twice and never had the lead until it was over.
Just eight seconds into the game Paul Gaustad and Brandon Prust dropped the gloves. Prust may have got the better of Gaustad, but it was just the beginning of a physical night.
Despite most of the play being in the Sabres end, it was Buffalo who got on the board first. A valiant effort by Tyler Ennis led to a golden opportunity for Drew Stafford, who tapped the puck past Henrik Lundqvist, giving Buffalo a 1-0 lead.
After an innocent looking play, Carl Hagelin threw the puck to the front of the net and beat Ryan Miller. The puck bounced off of Miller’s stick and threw his legs, tying the game at one.
Early in the third period, on the power play, the Sabres connected. Stafford tallied his second of the night, putting the Sabres up 2-1.
The goal marked the first time Stafford has had a multi goal game this season.
Marion Gaborik received a pass and a scoring chance and beat Miller to tie the game on a backhanded shot.
The Rangers’ overtime win snapped a three game win streak for Buffalo, who are now 3-0-2 in their past five games.
The Sabres will begin a west coast trip on Wednesday starting against Anaheim. That game is scheduled for 10 p.m. EST.