The forward gets three points, assists on Buchnevich’s game-winner late in the third period.
By Dan Rosen / NHL.com Senior Writer
NEW YORK — Pavel Buchnevich and Rick Nash each had three points to help the New York Rangers defeat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday for their second straight win.
Buchnevich scored the game-winning goal at 16:02 of the third period. Nash scored two goals for the second straight game and had the assist on Buchnevich’s goal. Buchnevich had assists on both of Nash’s goals.
The Rangers (24-17-5) also got a goal from J.T. Miller, and Henrik Lundqvist made 34 saves for his 21st win.
Buchnevich scored from the slot 63 seconds after Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen tied the game at 14:59 with Buffalo’s second power-play goal.
Nash, who had no goals in 12 games from Dec. 16-Jan. 14, gave the Rangers a 3-2 lead with his second goal at 6:51 of the third period.
The Rangers killed off a penalty on Mats Zuccarello in the final 39 seconds.
The Sabres (11-25-9) also got goals from Kyle Okposo on the power play, and Justin Falk. Robin Lehner made 30 saves. Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel each had two assists. Okposo also had an assist.
Falk tied the game 2-2 with his first of the season at 17:10 of the second period. His wrist shot from the right point went through skates, a screen and Lundqvist’s five-hole. Lundqvist was bumped by teammate Brady Skjei just before Falk’s wrister came at him.
The Rangers took a 2-1 lead on Miller’s 10th goal, and second in as many games, at 8:26 of the second period. He found the puck in the right circle and snapped a high short-side shot past Lehner.
Nash gave New York a 1-0 lead with a breakaway goal at 1:24 of the first period. Okposo tied it with a power-play goal at 18:41.