The Islanders needed this one, but more than that, they needed this one in this way. They needed to hold a lead in the third period, something they’ve failed to do in five of the past seven games, and they needed the special teams to thrive after Patrick Roy called the power play “awful” a little more than 24 hours prior in Washington.

James Reimer made 17 saves for the Sabres (11-11-2), who were shut out for the second time in three games and lost their third in a row. Matt Martin appeared to give New York a 1-0 lead at 12:45 of the first period, but the goal was overturned after Buffalo challenged for offside.