Wings Top Sabres in OT

Brian Rafalski continued the Red Wings 9-game powerplay goal scoring streak, at a most appropriate time, overtime to be exact.

With 47 seconds remaining in a Tyler Myers delay of game penalty to start OT, it took only 31 of them before Rafalski drove in a Lidstrom pass with a one-timer from the top of the left circle to net the overtime winner and grab the all-important two points for the Red Wings.

The Wings were again off to a great start against the Sabres, as they took 2-0 lead only 3:15 into the game on the back of some Datsyukian magic and a great individual effort from Patrick Eaves. Vezina-favorite, Ryan Miller steadied the ship though, as the Sabres slowly battled back to take a 2-2 tie heading into the final frame thanks to two Jochen Hecht goals. The teams were unable to decide it in the third period needing overtime to decide the victor.

For Lindy Ruff's Sabres, a point is better than nothing as it gives them a 3 point advantage with 2 games in hand on the Ottawa Senators who were blown out in Vancouver later last night, 5-1.

For the Wings, the extra point was much more needed, giving them a one point lead of the hot Calgary Flames, who play their catch-up game tonight, also in Vancouver. The Wings are also within a point of the Predators with the same games played.

Jimmy Howard stopped 24 of 26 shots with Michigan-native, Ryan Miller stopped all but three of the 37 Detroit shots.

The Wings were 1/4 on the PP whilst killing off all three Sabres man-advantages extending their successful penalty killing streak to 5 games.

The Red Wings meet Calgary in Alberta on Monday night in a pivotal Western conference tilt, to begin their 3-game Western Canada road trip.