NHL: Buffalo 5, Montreal 4 (SO)

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BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Thomas Vanek saved the game for Buffalo with 1.9 seconds left in regulation Thursday and Jason Pominville's shootout tally lifted the Sabres over Montreal 5-4.

Buffalo never led during the first 65 minutes of action and trailed 5-3 after Tomas Plekanec scored for Montreal 45 seconds into the third period.

Vanek brought Buffalo within one on the power play at the 8-minute mark of the third and his dramatic late goal ensured the Sabres at least a point.

Buffalo did better than that when Pominville tallied in the third round of the shootout to snap the Sabres' three-game losing streak.

Vanek, who has 10 goals for the season, also scored in the opening round. That goal was matched by one from Alex Galcheyuk.

Buffalo avenged a 6-1 loss to Montreal last weekend.

Ryan Miller made 28 saves for the Sabres. Peter Budaj stopped 36 shots in the loss.