BUFFALO, New York (AP) ― Given how poorly Buffalo was playing two months ago, defenseman Tyler Myers is certain it would have let this one slip away.
It’s a much different story in March, now that the surging Sabres have climbed back in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Buffalo allowed the tying goal with 5 seconds left in regulation, but Myers scored 2:01 into overtime to secure a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night.
“Two months ago, I would say it would’ve been very tough with our group,” Myers said, noting how the Sabres might have allowed frustration to settle in after Montreal’s David Desharnais forced overtime by scoring during a wild scramble in front.
“But I think we’ve come a very long, long way,” Myers said. “Those goals don’t feel good. And the way we responded was a big sign of life with our group.”
The Sabres (33-29-8) improved to 9-2-2 in their past 13 games, a roll that has moved them from the depths of the Eastern Conference standings into ninth place, two points behind Washington in the race for the final playoff spot.
Myers raced up the right wing to join Derek Roy and Jason Pominville for a 3-on-2 rush that led to the winning goal. Roy crossed the blue line and slid a pass across to Myers, who snapped a shot by Peter Budaj and just inside the left post.
Tyler Ennis scored twice, Drew Stafford had two assists and Ryan Miller stopped 26 shots while extending Buffalo’s home winning streak to a season-best five straight.
“I think it shows we’ve got good character,” Ennis said. “It can be deflating when you let in a goal with a few seconds left. And we bounce back and score right away in overtime.”
Colorado 3, Anaheim 2
San Jose 3, Edmonton 2
Nashville 5, Phoenix 4
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