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Sabres can tie league mark for best start to a season

Oct 26, 2006 - 1:05 PM Buffalo (9-0-0) at NY Islanders (3-3-2) 7:30 pm EDT

UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) - With each additional victory, the Buffalo Sabres continue to make their mark in the record books.

After setting a franchise record for most wins to open a season, the Sabres can tie the all-time league mark when they go for their 10th in a row Thursday against the New York Islanders.

Since losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Seven of last spring's Eastern Conference finals, the Sabres have been virtually untouchable. They lead the league in goals and have outscored their opponents, 46-23.

Buffalo surpassed its previous record for best start - set in 1975-1976 - with Monday's 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.

Chris Drury had a goal and an assist and goaltender Ryan Miller made 26 saves for the Sabres, who can equal the 1993-1994 Toronto Maple Leafs by opening a campaign with 10 triumphs.

The Islanders have not played since Saturday, when they snapped a two-game losing streak with 4-3 overtime victory over Carolina. Tom Poti scored the game-winner 23 seconds into overtime and Alexei Yashin collected four assists in his 800th game.

Buffalo won all four meetings against the Islanders last season, including a 6-3 victory in their last encounter December 26.