After being shut out by the New York Islanders four days ago, Ryan Miller and the Buffalo Sabres returned the favor.

Miller made 24 saves for his second shutout of the season and 14th overall, and Thomas Vanek had a goal and assist in Buffalo's 3-0 victory Wednesday night.

Derek Roy and Paul Gaustad also scored to help the Sabres (9-2-1) rebound from a 5-0 loss to the Islanders on Saturday on Long Island.

"We played a real sound game coming off that loss," Miler said. "We did a very sound job pushing the puck up the ice, and we didn't give up anything that was too dangerous. We want to be a team that's in control."

They were certainly that against an Islanders team had won four straight by a combined score of 15-5. But New York was unable to generate much offense against the NHL's stingiest defense and its shut-down goalie.

Buffalo has allowed just 24 goals in 12 games this season, and played perhaps one of its best overall games against the Islanders. The Sabres took 39 shots, scored twice on the power play, and killed off three Islanders man-advantage opportunities.

"It was a real great effort," said Vanek, who scored for the first time in five games. "We adjusted good from the other night, and overall played well and deserved to win."

Former Sabres goalie Martin Biron made 36 saves for the Islanders (5-5-5), who were attempting to win five straight for the first time since a six-game run in February 2008.

Biron earned the shutout against his former teammates four days ago.

"I don't think it was anything they did, I think we beat ourselves tonight," Islanders forward Kyle Okposo said. "We didn't create a whole lot of opportunities. When we had some, we shot ourselves in the foot." Continued...