{coyotes} Strange goal by Pysyk gives Sabres OT victory

Monday, 23 December 2013

{coyotes} Strange goal by Pysyk gives Sabres OT victory

BUFFALO -- Mark Pysyk's first goal of the season at 3:47 of overtime gave the Buffalo Sabres a 2-1 win against the Phoenix Coyotes at First Niagara Center on Monday.

Pysyk, who was recalled from the American Hockey League on Monday afternoon, was credited with the game-winning goal when Coyotes forward Martin Hanzal knocked a loose puck out of the air and into goalie Mike Smith's hockey pants.

Smith slid backward into the net to prevent a rebound opportunity not knowing the puck was in his equipment. A review of the play confirmed the puck crossed the line.

Sabres forward Tyler Ennis tied the game with 5:59 remaining in the third period. Ennis got a pass from Zemgus Girgensons after he stole it from Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone and broke in on Smith. Ennis deked and put the puck past Smith for his eighth goal of the season.

The Coyotes led 1-0 on a goal by Hanzal early in the second period. He deflected a point shot from defenseman Connor Murphy past Sabres goalie Ryan Miller at 19 seconds. The play was reviewed to see if Hanzal tipped it with a high stick, but the call on the ice stood. It was Hanzal's 10th goal of the season.

The Sabres lost forward Drew Stafford at 11:16 of the second period when he was given a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct. Stafford hit Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson on a play in the corner. Ekman-Larsson was pursuing the puck when Stafford swung his elbow back and caught Ekman-Larsson in the face and put him down on the ice. Ekman-Larsson wasn't injured and remained in the game.

The Sabres were shorthanded to start the game. They dressed 18 players (16 skaters, two goalies) because of a flu outbreak; four of the five scratches involved players out with illness. It was the first time since Jan. 7, 1981 they've skated with that few players.

Miller made 36 saves; Smith stopped 30.

The teams return to action on Friday. The Sabres go on the road to play the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Coyotes head home to play the San Jose Sharks.

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