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Afinogenov, Kotalik guide Sabres to overtime shootout win

Sep 24, 2007 - 12:35 AM By Dave Holstein PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- Maxim Afiniginov and Ales Kotalik each scored in the shootout, leading the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in exhibition play on Sunday.

In the shootout, Sabre goaltender Ryan Miller stopped attempts from Adam Pineault and Sergei Fedorov while Afiniginov and Kotalik scored for Buffalo. Kotalik's goal was the decisive goal as he made a move and beat Columbus netminder Pascal LeClaire with a backhand shot that went over his stick.

The game went into extra time when Buffalo right winger Jason Pominville scored on a rebound goal from the top of the crease off the stick of Brian Campbell at 15:04.

Columbus opened the scoring early with a goal by center Derek MacKenzie at 2:48 of the first period. The Blue Jacket center picked up a loose puck in the offensive zone after a miscommunication between Buffalo defensemen Marc-Andre Gragnani and Nathan Paetsch and skated in alone, slipping the puck in under the pads of Miller from high in the slot giving the Blue Jackets a 1-0 lead.

For Buffalo, Kotalik scored another goal in the second and Jason Pominville added a goal of his own in the third period for Buffalo.

Sergei Fedorov also scored for Columbus, which did not dress Michael Peca, Fredrik Norrena, Fredrik Modin, Rick Nash, Adam Foote or David Vynony.

The Sabres which did not see action were Teppo Numminen who had open heart surgery last week and Thomas Vanek, Jochen Hecht and Jocelyn Thibault.

Columbus will play their next game Thursday at home against Carolina while Buffalo will travel to Minnesota for a game on Monday.