National Hockey League
BOXSCORE | RECAP
Winnipeg 3, Buffalo 1
When: 8:00 PM ET, Monday, March 5, 2012
Where: MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Referees: Eric Furlatt, Gord Dwyer
Linesmen: David Brisebois, Mike Cvik
Attendance: 15004

JETS 3, SABRES 1: Blake Wheeler scored to snap a tie just over eight minutes into the third period as Winnipeg capped its eight-game homestand in style.

Captain Andrew Ladd and former Sabre Chris Thorburn also scored, Bryan Little notched three assists and Ondrej Pavelec turned aside 23 shots as the Jets wrapped their homestand with a 5-1-2 mark.

Winnipeg moved to within two points of Southeast Division-leading Florida.

Fourth-liner Corey Tropp recorded his second career goal and Ryan Miller finished with 28 saves for the Sabres, who suffered their first regulation loss in eight games (6-1-1).

With the game tied at 1-1, Little's stretch pass connected with a streaking Wheeler just over center ice. Wheeler skated in and beat Miller just under the crossbar for his 15th goal of the season and fifth in the homestand.

Thorburn provided insurance 2:52 later after skating around veteran defenseman Robyn Regehr and beating Miller for his fourth tally of the campaign.

Ladd opened the scoring with 6:15 remaining in the first period after the Sabres committed a turnover in the neutral zone. Little collected the puck and skated into the right faceoff circle before wiring a sharp-angle shot. Miller made the initial save, but Ladd cleaned up the rebound and scored his 21st goal of the season and fifth in the homestand.

Tropp leveled the contest with 35 seconds left after banging home a loose puck on the doorstep.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Miller was named the NHL's First Star of the Week earlier Monday. ... Thorburn was the Sabres' second round pick of the 2001 draft. ... Winnipeg has posted a 3-0-1 mark versus Buffalo this season. ... The Jets will play nine of their last 15 games on the road.
Top Game Performances
 
Buffalo   Winnipeg
Corey Tropp 1 Points Bryan Little 3
Corey Tropp 1 Goals Andrew Ladd 1
Brad Boyes 1 Assists Bryan Little 3
N/A Power Play Goals N/A
N/A Short Handed Goals N/A
Ryan Miller .903 Save Percentage Ondrej Pavelec .958
Ryan Miller 28 Saves Ondrej Pavelec 23
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Shots Goals Power Play Penalty Kill Penalty Mins Face Offs Won
Buffalo 24 1 0-2 2-2 6 19
Winnipeg 31 3 0-2 2-2 6 32
Upcoming Games
  • Winnipeg will play their next game on the road against Vancouver. The Jets have a W/L % of .419 after a win and .528 after a loss.
  • Buffalo will play their next game at home against Carolina. The Sabres have a W/L % of .433 after a win and .472 after a loss.