NHL: Atlanta 5, Buffalo 2

ATLANTA, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Buffalo scored first but Atlanta responded with four straight goals -- two by Martin Hossa -- to defeat the Sabres 5-2 Sunday.

Thomas Vanek tapped in a goal for Buffalo with 13:50 to play in the opening period but the Sabres didn't score again until midway through the third.

Pascal Dupuis, Colin Stuart and Ilya Kovalchuk also scored for the Thrashers. Atlanta goaltender Johan Hedberg made 37 saves.

Clark MacArthur got the other Sabres' goal.