Sabres Win In Pegula's Debut As Owner

What a night for Sabres fans. A day after the announced sale of the Sabres to billionaire Terry Pegula, Buffalo put out its best effort as they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 4-1.

Pegula was introduced to the crowd before the game as he received a standing ovation for over a minute. Sabres fans are excited about the ownership change and believe that Pegula gives them a better chance to win the Stanley Cup in the future.

The Sabres got on the scoreboard first as Tyler Myers scored his ninth goal of the year seven minutes into the first period to put the Sabres up 1-0.

A little over five minutes into the second period, Atlanta tied the game at 1-1 when Andrew Ladd beat Ryan Miller for his 22nd goal of the year.

But the Sabres weren't going to let Atlanta defeat them on this special night.

Paul Gaustad and Jason Pominville scored within 30 seconds of each other with under two minutes remaining in the second period to give the Sabres the 3-1 lead entering the second intermission.

Then, Tyler Ennis scored less than two minutes into the third period to put the game away for Buffalo as they went on to win 4-1.

Ryan Miller had his A game on Wednesday night. Miller made 40 saves on 41 shots and was terrific the entire night.

Also having a good game was Tyler Myers.

It was nice to see Tyler Myers get a goal and an assist on the night. He is finally starting to get his game back after a horrible start to the season.

For the Sabres, the win was significant for a variety of reasons.

-They won in Terry Pegula's first game as the owner of the Buffalo Sabres.

-They move within three points of Carolina for the final playoff spot in the eastern conference with two games in hand.

-They came in tied for 9th in the eastern conference with Atlanta. Now the Sabres are in sole 9th place two points ahead of the Thrashers.

The Sabres don't get much time to rest following tonight's win over Atlanta. Buffalo is back in action Friday when they take on the Ottawa Senators.

Attendance: 18,690

Buffalo's Record: 28-25-6 (62 points) 9th in Eastern Conference

Points Back Of Playoffs: 3 points back of Carolina (2 games in hand)

Interesting Note: The Sabres win in Terry Pegula's debut as owner

Three Stars:

1st- Tyler Myers (Buffalo)

2nd- Ryan Miller (Buffalo)

3rd- Paul Gaustad (Buffalo)