NHL: Chicago 4, Buffalo 1

CHICAGO, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Cristobal Huet allowed only a first-period goal while making 22 saves Wednesday, backstopping Chicago's 4-1 victory over Buffalo.

Ales Kotalik put Buffalo in front midway through the opening frame, but the Sabres could not solve Huet the rest of the way and lost for the second straight time after opening 2009 with four consecutive wins.

Jonathan Toews produced the game-winning goal with 1:55 remaining in the first when he snapped a shot past Patrick Lalime.

Toews also had an assist and Patrick Sharp, Martin Havlat and James Wisniewski delivered goals for the Blackhawks.

Lalime stopped 21 shots in the loss.

Chicago won at home for the eighth time in nine games. The Blackhawks had lost to the Sabres in their previous three meetings.