Brian Gionta had a goal and an assist as the Buffalo Sabres scored three times in the first period and hung on to beat the Minnesota Wild 3-2 Tuesday night.

Jamie McGinn and Rasmus Ristolainen also scored for Buffalo, which won its second straight after losing six in a row. Linus Ullmark made 28 saves.

Ryan Suter and Thomas Vanek scored for Minnesota.

For the first time in a nine-game span, a Buffalo goaltender made consecutive starts.

But it also could be Ullmark’s final start for the Sabres. Robin Lehner, out since the season opener with a high ankle sprain, is expected to rejoin the team later this week after a conditioning stint with AHL Rochester. Ullmark would likely be sent down.