Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Recap: NY Islanders vs. Buffalo

Martin Biron made 38 saves for his 200th career win and Jeff Tambellini recorded his first career hat trick as the New York Islanders downed the Buffalo Sabres, 5-0, at Nassau Coliseum.

Biron is in his first season with the Islanders after playing 11 seasons between Buffalo and Philadelphia, and the victory represents his first with the club -- along with his first shutout of the season.

"I felt like I've been getting better after every game," Biron said. "Steadily getting the way I want to play. It's good to get the guys a bit of a confidence boost."

Richard Park had a goal and an assist while Josh Bailey also lit the lamp for the Islanders, who have won three straight.

Ryan Miller started in net, but was pulled after giving up three goals on 16 shots for the Sabres, who had a four-game winning streak coming into the game. Patrick Lalime finished the game between the pipes and was charged with two goals on 14 shots.

"I think everybody pretty much had a rough night tonight," Miller said. "The whole team. I don't think we were too far off. Marty [Biron] played well, but I think we hit five posts, and legitimately hit them."

The Islanders got the only goal of the first period thanks to a Buffalo turnover. Tyler Myers started to skate the puck out of his zone, but Park picked him off at the top of the left circle. Park controlled the puck and wristed a shot into the right corner of the net with 2:47 left in the frame.

New York took command of the game in the second period with three goals.

Near the midway mark of the frame, Sean Bergenheim sent a pass from just behind the net to the right side where Tambellini stuffed it in.

The Isles continued to outwork Buffalo in its own end and made it a 3-0 game a bit over three minutes later as Tambellini's one-timer from the left circle beat Miller, who was pulled from the net after the goal.

Bailey's one-timer from the right point beat Patrick Lalime to the glove side with 4:40 to play to cap the scoring in the period.

Tambellini's third goal of the game with 4:18 to play in the game capped the scoring.

Game Notes