NHL: N.Y. Rangers 4, Buffalo 3

BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Sean Avery's goal late in the third period Saturday gave the New York Rangers a 4-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

Avery's 10th goal this season at 14:55 of the third snapped a 3-3 deadlock after New York had squandered a 2-1 lead after the first.

Jaromir Jagr, Nigel Dawes and Brandon Dubinsky all scored. Avery also had an assist while netminder Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves on 29 shots for the Rangers, who have won three of their last four games.

Rangers defenseman Paul Mara left the game early in the first period with a head injury after receiving a high check from Buffalo's Patrick Kaleta. Mara did not return.

Buffalo's Ales Kotalik scored twice for the second straight game.

Jason Pominville scored his 17th goal this season at 4:05 of the second while Ryan Miller allowed four goals on 35 shots for the Sabres, who have lost three of five.