Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres opened the 2008-09 season on a winning note as they deafted the Montreal Canadiens in a shootout 2-1.
The Sabres reversed their fortunes in the shootout from last season as Ales Kotalik and Drew Stafford scored for Buffalo while Ryan Miller stopped both Montreal shooters to get the win. Buffalo only managed six shootout during all of last season.
Montreal got the scoring started in regualtion as Robert Lang scored his first goal as a Candian just 2:58 into the game. Thomas Vanek answered about five minutes later as he held the puck just long enough to get Carey Price out of position to bury his first of the season.
Miller looked solid in net as he stopped 27 of 28 shots in his 65 minutes of work and then shutdown Robert Lang and Saku Koivu in the shootout. Montreal goalie Carey Price stopped 35 of Buffalo's 36 shots but was foiled by the backhanders of Kotalik and Stafford in the shootout.
The Sabres are now 21-14-3 all-time in season opening games and are 15-6-3 in home openers.
Tim Connolly was a late scratch as he was bothered by a hairline fracture in his back but Lindy Ruff called the injury minor.
Buffalo's next game is a Columbus Day matinee on Long Island as they face the Islanders at 2 p.m. Mike Schopp will have pregame on WGR starting at 1 p.m.
To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 1 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 2 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; tournament; WGR; Jeremy White; Golf; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 3 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 4 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 5 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 6 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 7 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 8 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala;
The Howard Simon Show The only sports-focused morning show in WNY makes you laugh on the way to work.
Schopp & The Bulldog Schopp and The Bulldog's entertaining sports talk makes weekday afternoons better.
The Hobby WGR's new show for card and memorabilia collectors
The WGR Ball Girls Find out about WGR Ball Girls' events, check out the photo gallery, and meet the Ball Girls!
