Coming off of back-to-back victories for the first time since early November, the Sabres tried to make it three in a row by facing the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Although the Sabres’ offense were not able to score a goal in regulation, Ryan Miller and the defense kept the Rangers scoreless, sending this one to a shootout.
Ryan Callahan netted the game-winner in the 5th round, sending his team home with two points and a 1-0 win.
Tyler Ennis had a great shot in the 4th round, but rang it off the pipe.
Although the Sabres lost, the earned a point, and now have a string of eight consecutive home games in which they have earned a point (4-0-4).
The Rangers came into the game with 67 points and a 16-7-3 road record. Former Sabre Martin Biron was on the bench but did not make an appearance in goal.
The Sabres fell to 18-2-2 when allowing two or fewer goals.
Early in the first period, Referee Kelly Sutherland was hit in the face with the puck after it was deflected from a shot from the point. He didn’t return.
Buffalo had a chance with the two man advantage for 42 seconds, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
The team ended the first period in a 0-0 tie, and it would remain that way through regulation.
“I thought our fans in the third period got us going,” Ruff said. “This building got some life.”
Both teams had their chances, but Ryan Miller and Henrik Lundqvist were perfect.
“Miller was the Miller of old,” said John Tortorella. “He was big, he was dominant. Hank and Miller put on a show.”
Derek Roy had a chance to win it in the dying seconds of overtime but hit the post.
“Derek Roy has to put that one away, can’t let it get away,” Lindy Ruff said.
Brad Boyes had an opportunity to score in the shootout, but Lundqvist made the save as the puck was heading toward the goal line.
With Thomas Vanek nursing an upper-body injury, captain Jason Pominville is now the only Sabres player to have played in every game this season.
The Sabres are on pace for 377 man games lost this season, which would be the highest total since they started keeping track of the stat in the 1998-99 season.
These two teams will meet again later this month in New York.
The Sabres will head to Long Island to take on the Islanders on Saturday night.