Tyler Ennis provided the assists for both of Stafford's goals, while Cody McCormick, Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville also tallied, extending their winning run to five games. The Sabres' late-season charge comes little over a month after they were last in the East and seemingly out of contention.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from play-off contention as they lost 3-0 to the Carolina Hurricanes, for whom Jussi Jokinen, Tim Brent and Jay Harrison scored. It will be the seventh straight season in which Toronto have been absent from the post-season.

Brian Elliott claimed his third straight shut-out as the West-leading St Louis Blues beat the Nashville Predators 3-0. Jamie Langenbrunner, on his 1,100th start, David Perron and TJ Oshie got the goals which ensured the Predators would have to wait to clinch their play-off place.

Rangers prevail

The New York Rangers beat the Minnesota Wild 3-2 to pad their lead at the top of the East, while the Florida Panthers saw off the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 after a shoot-out.

Frans Nielsen scored twice as the New York Islanders beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3, the Boston Bruins won their third straight, beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2, and the New Jersey Devils beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 after a shoot-out.