JETS 3, SABRES 1: Blake Wheeler scored to snap a tie just over eight minutes into the third period as Winnipeg capped its eight-game homestand in style.

Captain Andrew Ladd and former Sabre Chris Thorburn also scored, Bryan Little notched three assists and Ondrej Pavelec turned aside 23 shots as the Jets wrapped their homestand with a 5-1-2 mark.

Winnipeg moved to within two points of Southeast Division-leading Florida.

Fourth-liner Corey Tropp recorded his second career goal and Ryan Miller finished with 28 saves for the Sabres, who suffered their first regulation loss in eight games (6-1-1).

With the game tied at 1-1, Little's stretch pass connected with a streaking Wheeler just over center ice. Wheeler skated in and beat Miller just under the crossbar for his 15th goal of the season and fifth in the homestand.

Thorburn provided insurance 2:52 later after skating around veteran defenseman Robyn Regehr and beating Miller for his fourth tally of the campaign.

Ladd opened the scoring with 6:15 remaining in the first period after the Sabres committed a turnover in the neutral zone. Little collected the puck and skated into the right faceoff circle before wiring a sharp-angle shot. Miller made the initial save, but Ladd cleaned up the rebound and scored his 21st goal of the season and fifth in the homestand.

Tropp leveled the contest with 35 seconds left after banging home a loose puck on the doorstep.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Miller was named the NHL's First Star of the Week earlier Monday. ... Thorburn was the Sabres' second round pick of the 2001 draft. ... Winnipeg has posted a 3-0-1 mark versus Buffalo this season. ... The Jets will play nine of their last 15 games on the road.