NHL: Buffalo 4, Atlanta 1

BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Ryan Miller stayed busy with 40 saves Wednesday in carrying Buffalo to a 4-1 triumph over Atlanta.

It was the first game for the Sabres since Terry Pegula officially became the fourth owner of the team Tuesday. Pegula and his son dropped the ceremonial first puck prior to the contest.

Buffalo had lost its previous three games.

It was a 1-1 contest when Paul Gaustad and Jason Pominville put Buffalo in front by scoring 30 seconds apart late in the second period. Tyler Ennis gave the Sabres a 4-1 lead 1:54 into the third.

Andrew Ladd scored Atlanta's only goal early in the second and the Thrashers went on to lose for the eighth time in nine games. Ondrej Pavelec allowed all four goals on 39 shots.