NHL: Buffalo 4, Tampa Bay 2

BUFFALO, N.Y., April 5 (UPI) -- Thomas Vanek scored a hat trick and Tim Connolly added a goal and two assists Tuesday in the Buffalo Sabres' 4-2 win over Tampa Bay.

Jason Pominville contributed two helpers for the Sabres, who have won three of their last four and strengthened their Eastern Conference playoff standing.

Buffalo, which came into the game the clinging to the eighth and final seed, earned its 92nd point.

Jhonas Enroth made 23 saves to earn the victory.

Vincent Lecavalier and Ryan Malone scored for the fifth-seeded Lightning, who saw their five-game winning streak snapped.

Dwayne Roloson turned aside 20 shots for Tampa Bay.