The Sabres never have an easy time when facing the Islanders, but they found a way to win on Saturday.
Ryan Miller stopped 41 of 43 shots on the night, helping the Sabres put together two consecutive victories since season opening wins against Philadelphia and Toronto.
Despite getting outshot 43-15, the Sabres held on and escaped Long Island with a much needed two points at Nassau Coliseum Saturday night.
John Tavares had a chance with under four minutes remaining in the third period after being rewarded a penalty shot. He beat Miller, but hit the goal post, and the Islanders couldn’t tie it up. Tavares scored a goal to tie the game at one in the opening period.
Alexander Sulzer matched his career high in goals with a third period bullet that found its way past Evgeni Nabokov to give the Sabres a 3-2 lead, which held up.
New York controlled most of the play throughout the game and were putting pressure on the Sabres throughout. However, the Islanders offensive struggles showed tonight. Coming into this game, the Islanders had scored three goals in the last three games and managed only two tonight 43 shots.
Thomas Vanek started the scoring with his 11th goal in as many games, putting the Sabres on top 1-0. Vanek also recorded an assist on the night, increasing his league leading goal (11) and point (23) totals.
Vanek had another opportunity to up his goal total, but he ripped one of the goal post.
The Islanders outshot Buffalo 15-4 in the opening period.
Sabres Christian Ehrhoff and Colin McDonald each scored their first goal of the season in the second period, and the score remained tied after 40 minutes of play.
New York was scoreless on its three power plays and is 0-for-22 with the man advantage during the losing streak after going 9-for-24 during a 4-2-1 start.
Tyler Myers was benched for the game as a result of his poor play this season. He was also benched earlier last year.
After a late come-from-behind victory Thursday night against the Canadiens, the Sabres have found themselves on a winning streak. With the win, the Sabres move to 5-6-1 on the season and have played four straight one goal games.
The Sabres will head home to host Boston. That game is scheduled for 7 p.m.