BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Thomas Vanek scored his second goal of the night 19 seconds into overtime Friday to lead the Buffalo Sabres past the Florida Panthers, 5-4.
Ales Kotalik's shot was slowed down when it the stick of a Florida defender, and Vanek picked it up in front of the goal and tucked it past Panthers goalie Alexander Auld for the game-winner.
Kotalik had one goal and one assist, and Martin Biron made 15 saves for the Sabres, who won their second straight and their third in four games.
Gary Roberts had one goal and one assist, and Auld made 21 saves for the Panthers, who lost their second straight game and their fifth out of six.
The game was tied at 2-2 after two periods. Buffalo scored two third-period goals within a space of 50 seconds to take a 4-2 lead, but Florida got a goal from Joe Nieuwendyk with 9:09 left to play -- and Steve Montador tied it with 3:21 left in regulation to send the game to overtime.
Florida failed to score on three power-play opportunities, and Buffalo was 1-for-6 with the man advantage.
