Both the Sabres and Islanders were winners last night making it three-for-three for Battle clubs. While Ilya Kovalchuk continued the Devils’ tear with a beautiful end to end rush beating rookie James Reimer, the Sabres used Tyler Myers’ OT winner with four seconds left to edge the Panthers 3-2- cutting the Canes’ deficit to two. Yes, Buffalo suddenly is right on the heels of the eighth seed and with Carolina losing in Philly 2-1 and the Thrashers and Rangers slumping, Buffalo suddenly is right there.

Meanwhile, the Islanders got an exciting 4-3 shootout win over the Canadiens. Michael Grabner tallied twice for numbers 19 and 20.

More later.