After dropping three of the previous four games, the Sabres found a way to grab a victory. Zemgus Girgensons’ shorthanded goal in the third period helped Buffalo defeat the Coyotes by a 3-2 score.
With the victory, Buffalo took the season series (2-0) against Phoenix as they concluded the final meeting.
Like they’ve been doing as of late, the Sabres’ offense was able to put at least three goals on the board.Tyler Ennis got things going for the Sabres early in the first period. Despite the Coyotes jumping out to a 7-1 shots advantage, it was Buffalo that scored first.
Ryan Miller helped secure the victory by stopping 38 of 40 shots on the night as he improved to 6-0 in his career against Phoenix.The Coyotes peppered Miller with 21 shots in the opening period alone.
Things took a turn in a matter of seconds, though.The Sabres had killed off 16 consecutive road penalties, but Antoine Vermette halted that streak with a power play goal late in the first.
After stopping the first 17 shots, the Coyotes found a way to beat Miller and scored twice in 18 seconds to take the lead.
In the second period, the Sabres returned the favor and ended a streak of 13 straight penalties killed off by the Coyotes. Steve Ott jammed home a rebound to knot the game at two.
After Girgensons’ goal, the Coyotes couldn’t get much momentum, but pulled Thomas Greiss for the extra attacker in the final minute. Zenon Konopka won a crucial faceoff in his own zone with under 10 seconds remaining, ultimately sealing the win for Buffalo.
“We wanted to come in and play extremely hard, and I thought we did that tonight,” Steve Ott said.
Matt Moulson left the game late in the third period and did not return. Moulson took a hit along the boards and looked to be in a lot of pain.
Buffalo will continue it’s West Coast trip on Saturday when they head to Colorado and take on the Avalanche. That game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. and can be seen on MSG.