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Connolly, Miller help Sabres top Hurricanes

Jan 18, 2009 - 5:01 AM BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- The Carolina Hurricanes certainly have not enjoyed their trips to Buffalo recently.

Tim Connolly scored two goals and Ryan Miller made 36 saves, leading the Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 victory over the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Defenseman Teppo Numminen also tallied and Thomas Vanek notched a pair of assists for the Sabres, who have beaten the Hurricanes five straight times at home. In their last three meetings at HSBC Arena, Buffalo has won by a combined margin of 18-3.

"It was a tough night, kind of same old story," Carolina captain Rod Brind'Amour said. "I thought we played a lot harder game. We competed, it just didn't work out."

Ray Whitney scored and Cam Ward turned aside 23 shots in his 11th consecutive start for Carolina, which had its season-high losing streak reach five games.

"What are you going to say? You just have to keep playing hard and believe in ourselves," Brind'Amour said. "The one good thing is, no one is pointing fingers in here. We're all in it together."

Connolly opened the scoring at 7:58 of the first period, redirecting blue-liner Toni Lydman's shot past Ward. It was Connolly's first goal since November 12.

"I'm happy to be back, it's great to be back with the guys," said Connolly, who had missed nearly two months with a rib injury. "I thought, all-around, we played a tremendous game from goaltending on out. I thought it was a great game for us to build on."

The Sabres doubled the advantage with 3:30 left in the opening session, when Numminen scored his second goal of the season on a wrist shot from the high slot.

Buffalo grabbed a 3-0 edge as Connolly capitalized on a turnover with 3:04 remaining in the second for his fourth tally of the campaign.

Vanek forced the turnover inside the blue line and made a short backhand pass to Connolly, who skated in alone and beat Ward with a wrist shot.

"I haven't had too many (two-goal games). I'm usually trying to set someone else up," Connolly said. "It's nice to be able to get out there, get a couple. (Vanek) made a couple great plays on the goals. If it wasn't for those plays, I probably wouldn't have scored."

It was more than enough offense for Miller, who stopped 18 shots in the third period after surrendering a goal by Whitney just 17 seconds into the session.

"We had the lead, we knew they'd come strong," Miller said. "They're right behind us in the standings. We're up on them, and even if it doesn't work out for them, they still want to prove they can play. I thought we did a great job just playing good, hard-nosed hockey."