DETROIT, March 13 (UPI) -- Brian Rafalski's blast from left circle 31 seconds into overtime Saturday lifted the Detroit Red Wings to a 3-2 victory over Buffalo.
Rafalski's goal came on a 4-on-3 power play carried over from late in regulation time. With Buffalo's Tyler Myers off on a delay-of-game penalty, Nicklas Lidstrom moved the puck from the high slot on a backhand pass to Rafalski, who shot a one-timer through a screen and past Ryan Miller for the victory.
Detroit also got goals from Pavel Datsyuk and Patrick Eaves while Jimmy Howard made 24 stops in the win, which enabled the Red Wings to move one point ahead of idle Calgary for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Both Buffalo goals were scored by Jochen Hecht while Tim Connolly and Jason Pominville each notched two helpers assists. Miller ended with 34 saves in the loss.
