BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- With their new ownership group in attendance for the first time, the Buffalo Sabres avoided a pair of dubious franchise records Friday night as Taylor Pyatt scored twice en route to a 5-4 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The NHL announced Wednesday that a bid to purchase the beleagured team by Buffalo businessmen Mark Hamister and Todd Berman had been approved. Hamister shook hands with fans in each section of HSBC Arena Friday night and received a standing ovation.
The Sabres also got their share of applause after ending a 12-game winless streak (0-9-2-1) and seven-game losing skid (0-6
1), both of which matched franchise records. They had not won in exactly a month.
Pyatt scored the first two goals of the game. Miroslav Satan, Vaclav Varada and defenseman James Patrick also tallied for Buffalo, which totaled more than four goals for the first time since Oct. 12.
Ryan Miller was mediocre in stopping 17 shots, but the 2001 Hobey Baker Award winner picked up his first NHL win.
David Vyborny had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets, who scored twice in the final six minutes to cut into a 5-2 deficit but fell to 3-1-1 all-time against the Sabres. They started Buffalo's losing streak Nov. 3 with a 3-2 home win.
