Hometown Sports: Sabres Surrender Key Point

The Sabres saw their playoff chances take a brutal hit last night, as Ilya Kovalchuk scored the game-winner with 29.9 seconds left in overtime, to lead the Atlanta Thrashers to a 3-2 win at Philips Arena. With time running down in the extra period, Thomas Vanek's shot was blocked by Kovalchuk and the Thrashers star was able to beat Ryan Miller on the ensuing breakaway. Vanek had a pair of power-play goals for the Sabres, who were trying to extend a three-game winning streak and improve their dwinding postseason chances. Buffalo is now five points behind the Canadiens for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Sabres concludes a three-game road trip at Washington on Friday, with just about no margin for error left.