Senators knock off Rangers
Canucks lose Luongo in win over Penguins
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Senators coach Craig Hartsburg stayed positive after a string of difficult losses, imploring his team to stay confident.
The strategy finally paid off yesterday.
Daniel Alfredsson and Jesse Winchester scored late in the second period and host Ottawa beat the New York Rangers, 4-1, to end a six-game skid.
The Rangers' loss and Boston's win moves the Bruins two points ahead of New York for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Jason Spezza and Nick Foligno also scored for the Senators, who got their first win since a 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Nov. 6. Ottawa had lost each of its last two games in a shootout, including a 2-1 setback against the Rangers Monday.
"I thought we played really hard and smart," Hartsburg said. "The guys kept their energy high over the week, which is important, and we said keep playing like this every night and we'll win our fair share. Hopefully, this was a sign."
Steve Valiquette made 32 saves and Markus Naslund scored his seventh goal of the season for the Rangers, who have lost nine of their last 11 in Ottawa.
The Senators took control with two goals in a span of 82 seconds late in the second. Winchester beat Valiquette with just over two minutes remaining for his second career goal, and Alfredsson made it 3-0 with his fifth of the season at 19:15.
"We stuck with it and played really well," Alfredsson said. "Hopefully, this will be the start of a good streak for us."
Canucks 3, Penguins 1 - An injury to Roberto Luongo put a chill over Vancouver's hot streak.
The two-time Vezina Trophy finalist hurt his groin less than five minutes into the game, but Pavol Demitra scored twice and Daniel and Henrik Sedin had three points each in the Canucks' win over the Penguins.
Vancouver won its third straight, all on the road, and improved to 7-0-2 in its last nine.
Luongo left the game after collapsing to the ice following what appeared to be a routine save on a shot from the point by Philippe Boucher, Pittsburgh's first shot of the game. The goalie was helped off the ice without putting weight on his left leg.
"We're not exactly sure the severity of it," said Canucks coach Alain Vigneault, adding that Luongo would be evaluated today in Vancouver.
Curtis Sanford stopped 17 of 18 shots to earn the win in relief of Luongo.
Blackhawks 5, Maple Leafs 4 - David Bolland scored 49 seconds into overtime, giving Chicago the win after Toronto retired Wendel Clark's No. 17 to the rafters at
Bolland handled a nice pass in front from Duncan Keith before sliding the puck around Vesa Toskala to complete a three-goal comeback for the Blackhawks.
Patrick Sharp had two goals, and Patrick Kane and Ben Eager also scored for Chicago.
Blues 2, Wild 1 - Brad Boyes scored twice and backup goaltender Chris Mason made a season-high 31 saves to lift host St. Louis over Minnesota.
Stephane Veilleux scored for the offensively challenged Wild, who have an NHL-low 28 goals in the 15 games since a 6-2 win over Florida Oct. 16.
Blue Jackets 2, Thrashers 0 - Rick Nash extended his goal streak to five games, knocking in a backhander in the first period to help visiting Columbus beat Atlanta.
Nash scored his 10th goal of the season and was credited with his ninth assist when R.J. Umberger added his eighth, an empty-netter, with 1:18 remaining. He has 12 points in the last nine games.
Islanders 4, Sabres 2 - Joey MacDonald made 35 saves, and visiting New York sent reeling Buffalo to its fifth straight loss.
MacDonald made his 10th straight start since taking over for the injured Rick DiPietro, and avenged an earlier loss this season to the Sabres in which he allowed seven goals.
Sharks 7, Capitals 2 - Ryane Clowe scored two goals, Rob Blake had four assists and host San Jose improved the league's best record to 17-3-1 by beating Washington.
Joe Thornton and captain Patrick Marleau each had a goal and an assist for San Jose.
Flyers 4, Coyotes 3 - Mike Richards's wrist shot from the slot 1:35 into overtime lifted host Philadelphia over Phoenix and extended the Flyers' winning streak to four games.
Ducks 2, Stars 1 - Ryan Getzlaf scored in the third round of the shootout after goaltender Jonas Hiller denied two of three Dallas shooters and Anaheim beat the host Stars.
Avalanche 4, Kings 3 - Marek Svatos and Milan Hejduk scored in the first two rounds, enabling Colorado to edge host Los Angeles for its eighth straight shootout victory.
Red Wings 5, Flames 2 - Jiri Hudler scored the decisive goal and had an assist in visiting Detroit's triumph over Calgary.
