Sabres 3, Coyotes 2: Zemgus Girgensons' short-handed goal early in the third period lifted visiting Buffalo past Phoenix.

Tyler Ennis and captain Steve Ott also scored for the Sabres, who won for just the third time in 11 games this month. Girgensons added an assist and Ryan Miller turned aside 38 shots to preserve the victory.

Antoine Vermette and David Moss tallied for the Coyotes, who have won just seven of their last 22 games (7-10-5). Thomas Greiss made 25 saves in defeat.

After Ennis opened the scoring for the Sabres 6:08 into the game, the Coyotes used two quick goals near the end of the first period to take the lead. Vermette backhanded a rebound past Miller during a power play with 1:30 remaining for his 20th of the season and Moss swept in a loose puck from the front of the crease 18 seconds later.

Ott tied the game at the tail end of a man advantage 6:38 into the second, slapping the puck past a fallen Greiss following a goalmouth scramble. The Sabres regained the lead with Cody Hodgson serving a slashing penalty, as Girgensons stole the puck from Phoenix defenseman Keith Yandle and fired a low shot that beat a surprised Greiss.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Miller earned his 283rd career win, moving him within one of Tiny Thompson for 35th on the all-time list. ... The Coyotes finished 1-for-3 on the power play and have scored a man-advantage goal in 12 of their last 13 games. ... Girgensons registered his first career multi-point performance.