BUFFALO, N.Y., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Using his massive 6-4, 222-pound frame, Taylor Pyatt scored twice and screened the goaltender on another goal Friday night to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Acquired along with Tim Connolly in the trade which sent Michael Peca to the New York Islanders last June, Pyatt had just one goal in 16 games this season and five career goals.
But Friday, Pyatt was happy to see Tampa Bay. The 20-year-old left wing scored his first career goal against the Lightning on Nov. 27, 2000 and victimized them again for his first two-goal game by clearing space in front of the net.
Pyatt's first goal came when he deflected a shot by Alexei Zhitnik from the right point past Nikolai Khabibulin at 11:58 of the first period.
Pyatt also screened Khabibulin while Maxim Afinogenov scored from the left circle at 9:02 of the second period. He capped his big night by ramming in a pass by J.P. Dumont from in front with 6:44 left in the period, giving the Sabres a 4-0 lead.
