Bernier helps lift Sabres

NEW YORK: The Buffalo Sabres moved back into a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday, new signing Steve Bernier contributing two goals and an assist in an 8-4 win over the Nashville Predators.

Bernier scored with his first two shots the day after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks in return for All-Star defenseman Brian Campbell.

Buffalo climbed into the eighth and final playoff position in the East, two points ahead of Philadelphia.

Ryan Miller made 24 saves and earned his 29th victory despite having to sit out eight minutes in the second period after being hit in the facemask by Marek Zidlicky's shot.

After having a bloody nose repaired, Miller returned and made several key saves after his replacement Jocelyn Thibault allowed two goals on just seven shots.

Ales Kotalik had a goal and two assists for the Sabres. Derek Roy, Daniel Paille, Jason Pominville, Tim Connolly and Andrew Peters also scored and Toni Lydman added a career-high four assists.

Jason Arnott scored twice for the Predators. David Legwand and Jan Hlavac added singles.

The San Jose Sharks scored three second-period goals to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2. Brian Campbell picked up an assist in his first game with San Jose.

The Minnesota Wild snapped a four-game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Pierre-Marc Bouchard had a goal and an assist for the Wild.

Mats Sundin had two goals and an assist and Tomas Kaberle scored the lone goal of the shootout to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs past the Florida Panthers 4-3.

Agencies

(China Daily 02/29/2008 page24)