Ottawa 4, Buffalo 3

Senators 4, Sabres 3: Defenseman Erik Karlsson got things started with a power-play goal and Craig Anderson made 20 saves as host Ottawa edged Buffalo.

Blue-liner Chris Phillips, captain Daniel Alfredsson and Chris Neil each added a goal for the Senators, who improved to 4-0-1 at home.

Defenseman Jordan Leopold had a goal and an assist while Tyler Ennis and captain Jason Pominville also scored as the Sabres dropped their third straight.

Karlsson opened the scoring at 8:15 of the first period as he sent a wrist shot from just inside the blue line past a screened Jhonas Enroth. Buffalo answered on Ennis’ rebound goal 21 seconds later, but Phillips scored off a draw with 8:55 left in the first and Alfredsson made it a 3-1 lead when he picked up a loose puck in the slot and banged it past Enroth (20 saves).

The Senators made it 4-1 when Peter Regin sent a nifty pass from the corner to Neil streaking down the slot. Leopold scored on a redirection 57 seconds later and Pominville had a goal upheld upon replay in the third period to close within one - but the Sabres failed to score the equalizer.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Buffalo has allowed at least four goals in each of its last five games. … Anderson, who entered the night leading the NHL in goals-against average and save percentage, surrendered more than two tallies for the first time this season. … Ottawa D Sergei Gonchar (flu-like symptoms) missed the game.

• Ottawa will play their next game at home against Carolina . The Senators have a W/L % of .600 after a win and .500 after a loss.
• Buffalo will play their next game at home against Montreal . The Sabres have a W/L % of .333 after a win and .167 after a loss.