NHL ROUNDUP : Sharks Win, Widen Lead in Race for Playoff Spot

Sergei Makarov’s power-play goal with 11:35 left in the game gave the San Jose Sharks their first franchise victory over the St. Louis Blues, 4-3, Sunday night at St. Louis.

The win moves the Sharks eight points ahead of the Mighty Ducks and 10 points ahead of the Kings in the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

“I knew we couldn’t win this game 6-5 or 7-6, but I felt we could win it 4-3 if we kept the Blues from scoring any more,” Shark Coach Constantine said.

The Sharks have won three in a row and earned seven of a possible eight points on a trip that ended Sunday.

Brett Hull scored his 52nd goal for St. Louis in the first period.

Buffalo 4, New York Islanders 1--Alexander Mogilny sat out Friday night’s game against Hartford while police staked out the Aud for a man who threatened to shoot and stab him if he didn’t pay $150,000.

But Mogilny returned in grand style Sunday, getting a goal and an assist to lead the Sabres at Buffalo.

Two Russians were arrested outside the Sabres’ locker room after Friday’s game and one, Segey Pavlosky, was charged with attempted grand larceny.

Detroit 3, Chicago 1--Goaltender Bob Essensa won his first game for the Red Wings as Detroit moved into a first-place tie with Toronto in the Central Division with the victory at home.

Sergei Fedorov scored his 52nd goal for the Red Wings.

Boston 6, Washington 4--Al Iafrate’s second goal of the game broke a third-period tie at Landover, Md., as the Bruins clinched a playoff spot and moved into fourth place over Montreal in the race for home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference.

Winnipeg 3, New York Rangers 1--Goaltender Tim Cheveldae stopped 33 shots and the Jets relied on their special teams at Winnipeg. The Jets scored two power-play goals and one shorthanded to prevent the Rangers from topping the 100-point mark.

Edmonton 5, Pittsburgh 3--Brent Grieve scored early in third period to start a three-goal outburst by the Oilers at Edmonton.

Despite the win, Edmonton was officially eliminated from playoff contention when the Sharks won.

New Jersey 5, Quebec 2--Minnesota natives Corey Millen and Mike Peluso scored during a four-goal first period to lead the Devils in a neutral ice game at Minneapolis.

Dallas 2, Tampa Bay 2--Shane Churla’s goal with 39 seconds remaining in regulation gave the Stars a tie at St. Petersburg, Fla.