Myers scores go-ahead goal for Sabres

[February 27, 2013]  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Tyler Myers scored a go-ahead goal early in third period, helping Ron Rolston win for the first time as the Buffalo's interim coach in the Sabres' 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night.

Myers made it 2-1 from the top of the left circle 52 second into the third after a Tampa Bay turnover. Rolston replaced long-time Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff on Feb. 20.

Ryan Miller made 30 saves and improved to 19-7-0 against the Lightning. The Sabres also got a goal from Cody Hodgson, while Thomas Vanek had two assists.

Miller made several quality saves during three short-handed situations, including a 5-on-3, during the second. He also had a point-blank stop on Steven Stamkos in the third.

Stamkos extended his goal-scoring streak to six games with his 14th.

Stamkos put the Lightning up 1-0 at 1:24 of the first on a rebound goal from the slot after Miller made a save on Teddy Purcell's shot.

Hodgson tied it at 1 with 9:58 left in first from behind the net when his pass toward the slot deflected off a Tampa Bay defender and past goalie Mathieu Garon.

Buffalo had lost in four in a row, including two under Rolston.

Lightning defenseman Sami Salo left in the second with an undisclosed lower-body injury.

NOTES: Tampa Bay C Cory Conacher had an assist, giving the rookie four assists and six points during a six-game point streak. ... Vanek has 12 assists and 35 points in 29 games against Tampa Bay. ... Lightning LW Ryan Malone, who has sat out nine straight games with an undisclosed lower-body injury, is skating in practice. ... Sabres D Jordan Leopold missed his third consecutive game because of an undisclosed upper-body injury.

[Associated Press; By MARK DIDTLER]

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