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Buffalo Sabre Jason Pominville opened the scoring with a redirected shot from Dmitri Kalinin 9:09 left in the first period, but Hurricanes star Eric Staal tied the game up just minutes later with a wrist shot that beat Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller.

Carolina’s Erik Cole resumed the goal scoring at 12:41 the second period. Just like the first period, the scored was tied just minutes later when the Sabres' Chris Drury scored his first goal of the season and tied the game at 2.

The 3rd period showed plenty of speed and plenty of scoring chances for both teams, but the game remained deadlocked.

Both teams worked furiously in overtime, with both goalies making spectacular saves for their club. This included a nice chance by Briere, who had an unbelievable shot with 12 seconds left in the game but Cam Ward was not allowing anything to get by him. This game went to a shootout.

The only goal was made by Buffalo’s Briere, who came down the left side, faked right, and put the puck over Ward’s right shoulder into the top corner. It was a beautiful move that Ward didn’t have a chance to stop.

Before the game started, the Hurricanes raised their 2005-2006 Stanley Cup Champions banner in front of the sold out crowd with a brief appearance by the Stanley Cup.

There were 20 penalties called in the game tonight, including 12 in the 2nd period alone.

The Carolina Hurricanes' Ray Whitney had two points tonight, assisting on both of Carolina’s goals.

Buffalo had 32 shots on goal. Carolina had 34 shots on goal.

Also see: Buffalo and Northeast Division 2006-07 Season Preview Carolina Wins First Stanley Cup Buffalo Sabres Reveal Alternate Jersey

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