Rafalski scores power-play goal in OT, lifting Red Wings to 3-2 win over Sabres

Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller (30) deflects a shot by Detroit Red Wings center Johan Franzen (93) of Sweden during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 13, 2010 in Detroit. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Carlos Osorio)

DETROIT - Brian Rafalski scored a power-play goal 31 seconds into overtime, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.

Detroit, which blew a two-goal lead, moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

Pavel Datsyuk and Patrick Eaves put Detroit ahead a few minutes into the game, scoring on the second and third shots against Ryan Miller.

Jochen Hecht pulled Buffalo within a goal at the 7:05 mark of the first period and tied it 5½ minutes into the second.

Miller bounced back from his rough start to make 34 saves. He got a warm reception, playing in his home state for the first time since helping the U.S. win silver at the Olympics. Detroit's Jimmy Howard stopped 24 shots.