The Buffalo Sabres scored a 4-1 win over the Eastern Conference-leading New York Rangers on Friday and are now neck-and-neck with Washingtonin the race for the eighth and final playoff spot.

The Sabres (36-29-10) made the most of the few chances that came their way in the third period at Madison Square Garden, scoring twice despite being outshot 13-5.

Ryan Miller made 26 saves, including 13 in the final period, to secure the Sabres' third consecutive win, while the Rangers (46-21-7) missed the chance to extend their lead in the conference and remain just a point ahead of idle Pittsburgh.

Buffalo's Travis Turnbull opened the scoring with his first NHL goal early in the second period but Brian Boyle leveled the score just before the 10-minute mark.

Drew Stafford put the Sabres 2-1 up six minutes before the end of the second andTyler Ennis extended the lead to 3-1 at 14:00 of the third.

Stafford made the game safe with his second of the night two minutes later.

Buffalo are now tied with Washington on 82 points after the Capitals blew a three-goal lead to lose 4-3 in overtime to the Winnipeg Jets.