Afinogenov's late goal leads to Buffalo win
NEW YORK: Maxim Afinogenov scored the game-winner with just over two minutes remaining to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Wednesday.
The victory was Buffalo's fourth in a row, while the Islanders lost for the seventh time in their last eight games.
Ryan Miller made 42 saves in goal for the Sabres, who were outshot 43-17 by the Islanders.
"That was probably the most shots we've allowed in a while," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff told reporters.
"We've lost these kind of games in the past."
New York was without forward Chris Simon, who was earlier suspended for 30 games by the NHL after it ruled he had deliberately kicked Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu last Saturday.
It was the longest suspension in NHL history and the eighth of Simon's career. He is not eligible to return until February 21.
"As we announced on Monday, the Islanders are going to provide Chris the time and support that he needs for counseling," New York general manager Garth Snow said in a statement.
Derek Roy opened the scoring for Buffalo in the opening period, which stood until the third when Brendan Witt tied the game for the Islanders.
Afinogenov then slipped a shot under the arm of Rick DiPietro off a pass from Brian Campbell to give the Sabres the victory.
The Detroit Red Wings won for the 10th time in 11 games. Henrik Zetterberg and Dan Cleary both had a goal and an assist in a 6-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Detroit leads the NHL with a 25-6-3 record.
Agencies
(China Daily 12/21/2007 page23)
