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Stafford lifts Buffalo to OT win over Phoenix

Jan 9, 2011 - 6:21 AM Glendale, AZ (Sports Network) - Drew Stafford potted a goal with 1:48 left in extra time to put Buffalo over Phoenix, 2-1, in a goaltender duel.

Stafford skated down the right side boards and ripped a slap shot from the right circle that sailed just inside the goal post to seal the win.

Ryan Miller made 33 saves for the Sabres, who have won four of their last five. Jordan Leopold notched the lone regulation goal for Buffalo.

Scottie Upshall lit the lamp for the Coyotes, who had a two-game win streak halted. Jason LaBarbera made 30 saves in the losing effort.

"I have to say that I feel like we left a point at the table," said Phoenix head coach Dave Tippett. "For 50 minutes there we played a very good hockey game. But you want to get the two points when they're there."

Buffalo got on the board first after 26 1/2 scoreless minutes. The goal developed from a face off win where the puck went to Leopold at the left point. He then ripped a shot that soared just over LaBarbera's shoulder and into the net.

The 1-1 equalizer came at the 12:31 mark of the same period. Adrian Aucoin sent a booming slap shot from the right point toward the net but LaBarbera blocked it. Upshall cleaned up the garbage when he wristed the puck into the open net.

The third period was held scoreless as the Coyotes outshot the Sabres, 9-8.

Game Notes

Ilya Bryzgalov was not in the net for Phoenix because he was battling the flu... Miller is a perfect 4-0-0 in his career versus the Coyotes...Buffalo is 2-0-1 to end a three-game road trip...Phoenix captain Shane Doan had an eight- game point streak snapped.