NHL: Buffalo 5, Pittsburgh 1

BUFFALO, N.Y., March 26 (UPI) -- Chris Drury recorded a goal and assist and Jochen Hecht added three assists Friday night as Buffalo defeated Pittsburgh, 5-1.

The Sabres pulled within six points of the idle New York Islanders for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Buffalo has only five games remaining.

The desperate Sabres outshot Pittsburgh, 17-5, in the first but managed only a 1-0 lead on Daniel Briere's power-play goal with 3:15 left in the period.

Milan Kraft tied it for the Penguins 6:54 into the second before the Sabres took control on goals by defenseman Jay McKee and Drury 59 seconds apart late in the period.

Maxim Afinogenov gave Buffalo a three-goal cushion with 7:02 left in the third and tough guy Andrew Peters capped the scoring with an empty-netter.