Rhodes Wins After Layoff

Damian Rhodes didn’t show any rust after being sidelined for nearly six weeks.

The Atlanta Thrasher goalie made 32 saves in his first start after sitting out 18 games and Patrik Stefan and Andrew Brunette scored goals Wednesday night as the Thrashers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-1, at Atlanta.

Their sixth victory in eight games lifted the Thrashers into a first-place tie with the idle Washington Capitals in the Southeast Division.

Both clubs have 29 points.

“I felt like I picked up where I left off,” Rhodes said. “My biggest concern was my shape. I was getting a little tired there at the end.”

Rhodes, Atlanta’s No. 1 goalie, suffered a groin injury Nov. 4 at Boston. He was nearly flawless as the Blackhawks lost their fourth in a row.

He allowed only a 20-foot slap shot by Dean McAmmond, his fifth goal of the season, to get past him. It came with 1:46 left in the first period for a 1-1 tie.

“There’s a difference in making a lot of saves and being sharp,” said Atlanta center Ray Ferraro, who assisted on Brunette’s goal. “He was sharp. He was fantastic from the first shot.”

Calgary 3, Montreal 1--Oleg Saprykin and Jarome Iginla scored goals just over three minutes apart in the first period for the Flames at Montreal.

Carolina 1, Minnesota 1--Arturs Irbe made 28 saves for the Hurricanes at St. Paul, Minn.

Detroit 3, Florida 3--Darren McCarty scored the tying goal midway through the third period at Detroit as the slumping Red Wings avoided their fourth loss in five games.

Dallas 5, Edmonton 2--Mike Modano scored the tiebreaking goal with 15:48 to play at Dallas and the Stars remained undefeated at home against the Oilers over the last five seasons.

Philadelphia 3, Colorado 3--Simon Gagne redirected a shot past Patrick Roy with eight seconds to play in regulation to give the Flyers a tie at Denver.

Toronto 7, Pittsburgh 4--Gary Roberts scored late in the first period to start a streak of five consecutive goals that carried the Maple Leafs at Pittsburgh.