Buffalo, NY (Sports Network) - Ilya Kovalchuk, who signed a 15-year, $100 million deal with the Devils this offseason, scored his first goal of the season 53 seconds into overtime to lift New Jersey over Buffalo, 1-0, at HSBC Arena.
Jamie Langenbrunner controlled the puck at center ice and slid a pass to the right circle for Matt Taormina. Kovalchuk trailed the play and was set up perfect for a one-timer that gave rookie head coach John McLean and the Devils their first win of the year.
Martin Brodeur made 24 saves to record the 111th shutout of his career.
Ryan Miller turned aside 34-of-35 shots for the Sabres, who have lost three in a row after opening the season with a win over Ottawa.