NHL: Buffalo 3, New York Rangers 2

NEW YORK, March 1 (UPI) -- Ryan Miller made 29 saves and Jochen Hecht's third-period goal proved decisive Tuesday in the Buffalo Sabres' 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers.

Miller stopped 29-of-31 shots, making several big saves down the stretch and ensuring a key victory for the Sabres as they attempt to gain an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Hecht's goal 4:45 into the final period gave Buffalo a 3-1 lead and Brad Boyes, who was obtained from St. Louis this week in a trade-deadline deal, scored in his Sabres debut.

Tyler Myers scored and Andrej Sekera added a pair of assists for Buffalo.

Erik Christensen and Artem Anisimov scored and Henrik Lundqvist made 23 saves for the Rangers, who hold the seventh playoff spot in the East.