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Rafalski's OT tally lifts Detroit over Buffalo

Sat 13th, March 2010

Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Brian Rafalski's power-play goal 31 seconds into overtime gave Detroit a 3-2 win over Buffalo at Joe Louis Arena.

Buffalo's Tyler Myers was called for delay of game late in regulation and the penalty carried over to the extra session. Nicklas Lidstrom had the puck in the high slot and slid a backhand pass to the left circle where Rafalski cranked a one-timer through a screen and past Ryan Miller for the win.

Pavel Datsyuk and Patrick Eaves each had a goal for the Red Wings, who have won four of their last five. Jimmy Howard made 24 stops for Detroit.

The win enabled Detroit to move one-point ahead of idle Calgary for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Red Wings play in Calgary Monday.

"Every point is crucial right here," Rafalski said. "Obviously, going into Calgary on Monday could decide the playoffs. We wanted to make sure we got the two (points) here."

Jochen Hecht scored both goals while Tim Connolly and Jason Pominville each got two assists for the Sabres, who have dropped their past two. Miller finished with 34 saves.

Buffalo continues to hold down the top spot in the Northeastern Division and third overall slot in the Eastern Conference.

The Red Wings grabbed the lead just 2:02 into the game on Datsyuk's 21st tally of the season.

Just 1:13 later, Eaves made it a 2-0 game as he grabbed the puck in the neutral zone, skated down the left wing, got past his defender and from a knee chipped the puck over Miller.

Buffalo, though, got a goal back at the 7:02 mark of the frame. Pominville blasted a shot on net from the right point that was stopped, but the rebound was left out by Howard and Hecht was there to backhand it home.

The Sabres tied the game 5:30 into the second. After a Connolly shot left a rebound in the slot, Pominville grabbed it and dropped it back to Hecht, who wristed it home from just inside the left circle.

Game Notes

Buffalo continues its five-game road trip in Atlanta on Tuesday...Detroit takes a three-game road swing in Canada starting Monday...Detroit has won four of the last five against Buffalo...Detroit went 1-for-4 on the power play while Buffalo was 0-for-3.