Sabres snap 4-game losing streak, end Devils' 3-game run

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Sam Reinhart scored two goals and the Buffalo Sabres snapped a four-game losing streak with a much-needed 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.

Defensemen Colin Miller also scored and Linus Ullmark made 25 saves for the Sabres, who had not won since beating the Devils in a shootout on Jan. 30. Jack Eichel added two assists for Buffalo, which returned to play this week after missing two weeks because of the pandemic.

Kyle Palmieri and P.K. Subban scored in the third period for the Devils, who welcomed center Nico Hischier for his first game this season by naming him captain. Mackenzie Blackwood (4-1-1) had 26 saves in losing for the the first time in regulation this season.

The Sabres opened a 3-0 lead after two periods and the faceoff circle was the key. The goals came after faceoff wins in the Devils' end.

Miller beat a screened Blackwood after Eric Staal won a faceoff. Reinhart got his fourth and fifth goals of the season in the second period after faceoff wins by Eichel.

Palmieri closed the gap to 3-1 in the opening minute of the third period. Subban scored a power-play goal with 3:16 left in regulation and the Devils' net empty.

Miller blocked a last-second shot from between the circles by Pavel Zacha to preserve the win.

Sabres defenseman Jake McCabe left the ice in the third period with an apparent knee injury.

COVID-19 LIST

Saturday marked the first time since Jan. 14 that the Devils have not had a player on the NHL's COVIDS-19 list for some reason. The team was forced to shut down for 15 days after a spike on Jan. 31 following a game with the Sabres. The high point was 19 players isolated on Feb. 8.

Sabres rookie Dylan Cozens returned to the lineup after missing three games because of the COVID-19 protocol. Forward Casey Mittelstadt and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen each missed their fourth straight game.

ZAJAC 1000

Travis Zajac (COVID) returned to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 28 and played in his 999th regular season game. He will become the 66th player in NHL history to play 1,000 games with one team. The other Devils are Ken Daneyko (1,283), Martin Brodeur (1,259) and Patrik Elias (1,240).

UP NEXT

Sabres: At Islanders on Monday.

Devils: Travel to Washington to face the Capitals on Sunday.

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