Drew Stafford, Patrick Kaleta and Paul Gaustad scored for the Sabres, who lost for the second time in six games. Ryan Miller finished with 25 saves.
Patrik Elias had two assists to extend his point streak to eight games, and Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner also helped set up two goals. The Devils played the entire third period with only five defensemen because Salvador wasn't on the bench.
With the Devils already leading 3-2 after two periods, Clarkson put New Jersey ahead by two goals 6 minutes into the third. Rolston made it 5-2 with 10:29 to go.
Gaustad cut the Sabres' deficit to two just 12 seconds later, slamming in a rebound from the slot.
Zajac scored just 1:36 into the game to give the Devils a 1-0 lead. After Miller stopped Mike Mottau's shot, Zajac wristed in the rebound from the slot.
Stafford tied it just over 5 minutes later, redirecting Clarke MacArthur's pass from the outer edge of the left circle.
New Jersey regained its one-goal lead on Parise's team-leading 18th while the Devils enjoyed a two-man advantage. Parked to the left of Miller, Parise had his initial shot stopped before putting in the rebound.
Salvador made it 3-1 at 10:52 of the second period after his shot from the middle of the blue line deflected off Gaustad's skate in the slot.
Kaleta cut the deficit to 3-2 with his first of the season just 18 seconds later. He redirected Daniel Paille's pass from the left circle.
Notes: The Sabres played without captain Craig Rivet (shoulder) and rookie forward Nathan Gerbe (upper body). ... Buffalo C Derek Roy stretched his point streak to seven games with an assist on Stafford's goal. ... Kaleta returned after missing seven games with a head-neck injury. ... Elias has 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 14 games. ... New Jersey had lost three straight games against Buffalo.
