BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Steve Bernier's two goals and an assist Wednesday helped the Buffalo Sabres overpower the Nashville Predators 8-4.
His 14th and 15th goals this season gave Buffalo a 2-0 advantage after the opening 20 minutes and later he assisted on Derek Roy's 25th at 17:49 of the second when Buffalo built a 6-3 lead.
Six others all scored once, including Ales Kotalik, who assisted twice. Toni Lydman had a single-game career-high four assists and Tom Vanek had two assists.
Netminders Ryan Miller and Jocelyn Thibault yielded four goals on 33 shots for the Sabres, who were playing their first contest since all-star defenseman Brian Campbell was traded to San Jose.
Nashville's Jason Arnott scored twice, and both Jan Hvlac and David Legwand (power play in the third) once. Marek Zidilicky had three assists.
Goalies Chris Mason and Dan Ellis gave up eight goals on 33 shots for the Predators, who have dropped three in a row.
