UNIONDALE, N.Y., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Trent Hunter's goal in the eighth round of the shootout Saturday gave the New York Islanders a 3-2 victory over Buffalo.
Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro made 31 saves in his second start of the year and seventh in the past two seasons in his long comeback after knee surgery.
Sean Bergenheim and John Tavares scored in regulation for the Isles, who have eight wins in their last 11 games.
Buffalo lost for the second time in its last nine games. Mike Grier and Drew Stafford scored the Sabres' goals and Ryan Miller made 36 saves.
New York went ahead 2-0 late in the second period on Bergenheim's re-direct of a pass from Andrew MacDonald. Grier scored for Buffalo 21 seconds later, and Stafford tied it at 9:35 of the third.
The shootout included three scores by both teams. Hunter found the top right corner of the net on his try in the eighth round. Patrick Kaleta lost control of the puck on Buffalo's end of the round, which ended the game.
