Ducks dash clear in Pacific, Panthers pip Flyers in shoot-out

MattBeleskey

The Canadiens missed the chance to go top of Atlantic, while the Ducks ballooned clear from the Vancouver Canucks - although Anaheim have played three more games than their closest rivals.

Hampus Lindholm's first-period goal had the Ducks ahead for most of the encounter, before David Desharnais equalised on a power-play early in the third period.

But Matt Beleskey struck the winner for the Ducks little over three minutes later, for their 22nd win in 34 matches.

The Florida Panthers won yet another shoot-out on Thursday, edging the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. 

Scottie Upshall's opener for Florida was cancelled out by the Flyers' Jakub Voracek in the second period, and they remained the only goals in regulation or overtime.

Brandon Pirri got the shoot-out off to the perfect start, scoring at the first time of asking, and almost wrapped up the two points after three rounds - but Voracek equalised for 1-1 in a sudden-death one-on-one.

The Panthers eventually won after the sixth round of the shoot-out - Dave Bolland was on target - well shy of the record they set on Tuesday when they beat the Washington Capitals after 20 rounds.

The Metropolitan cellar-dwelling Carolina Hurricanes thrashed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1, with Justin Faulk (one goal, one assist) and Nathan Gerbe (two assists) collecting two points each.

The Capitals coughed up a two-goal lead early, before fighting back twice in the third period to prevail 5-4 in overtime against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Calvin Pickard made 47 saves, but his Colorado Avalanche side fell to a 1-0 overtime loss to the Metropolitan-leading Pittsburgh Penguins.

Two goals 34 seconds apart in the final period saw the San Jose Sharks turn around their clash with the Edmonton Oilers, to win 4-3.

The Los Angeles Kings launched two comebacks - arresting 3-0 and 4-3 deficits - to down the St Louis Blues 6-4.

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