The Buffalo Sabres' strong start to the new NHL season continued with a commanding 6-3 win over the New York Islanders.
Ryan Miller made 36 saves for the victors who have now won four straight and are the only side in the league not to have suffered defeat in regulation this season.
Tyler Myers' first NHL goal after just three minutes opened the Sabres' account while Clarke MacArthur made it 2-0 from a penalty shot later in the first.
Tim Connolly added a third for the Sabres (4-0-1) b! efore Matt Moulson got the Islanders on the scoresheet. Jochen Hecht restored the three-goal cushion before John Tavares made it 4-2 on a power-play.
Patrick Kaleta and Jason Pominville tallied for the Sabres in the final period while Andy Sutton added a third for the Islanders who remain winless after five games.
The New Jersey Devils' inconsistent campaign continued as they slumped to a 4-2 loss against the Atlanta Thrashers.
Travis Zajac opened the scoring for the 3-3-0 Devils but Rich Peverley pulled the Thrashers level with the first of his two power-play goals.
Evander Kane put Atlanta in front before Peverley's second of the game put the Thrashers in the comfort zone. Zach Parise pulled one back for New Jersey but Chris Thorburn made sure of victory for Atlanta inside the final five minutes.
Elsewhere, Scott Clemmensen made 25 saves in his first start for Florida as the Panthers posted a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, while M! arc Savard hit two goals as the Boston Bruins ran out convinci! ng 3-0 w inners over the Dallas Stars.
The Calgary Flames emerged victorious in an eight-goal thriller as they downed the Vancouver Canucks 5-3, while Gilbert Brule and Dustin Penner each hit a brace as the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Minnesota Wild 5-2.
