Coyotes Move Up on Stars

The Phoenix Coyotes took a big step in reaching their goal of winning the Pacific Division: They beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Dallas Stars.

Dallas Drake had two goals Friday night, including the winner with 2:55 to play, and the Coyotes triumphed, 4-3, at Dallas. Shane Doan also had two goals for the Coyotes, who moved within two points of the division-leading Stars.

“We’re putting a big premium on first place,” Drake said. “To have that advantage in the playoffs is huge and this is a major step.”

Mike Modano’s 25th goal pulled Dallas even at 3-3 with 10:38 to play, but Drake’s 10th of the season beat goalie Ed Belfour high from the slot following a pass from behind the net by Jeremy Roenick.

A defeat would have put the Coyotes six points behind the Stars, which would have placed Phoenix in a tough spot.

“The difference between two points and six is huge,” Doan said. “I hope the message that we sent tonight is that we’re not going to go away.”

Colorado 4, N.Y. Rangers 2--Shjon Podein scored a career-high three goals at New York, helping the Avalanche win for only the second time in seven games.

Calgary 4, Edmonton 2--Jarome Iginla scored two goals at Calgary to help the Flames end a 10-game winless streak.

St. Louis 2, Nashville 1--Rookie Jochen Hecht scored the go-ahead goal at Nashville as the Blues set a team record with their seventh consecutive road victory.

Washington 5, Chicago 4--Terry Yake’s wraparound goal with 4:12 to play was the winner at Chicago.

Around the League

Ottawa Senator fans opened their wallets wide enough in a 21-day ticket-selling campaign to make the team stay put, owner Rod Bryden said. At the end of January, Bryden called for a 90% season-ticket renewal rate and an additional 1,500 new full-season ticket purchases. He also wanted the team’s corporate partners to agree to a 10% increase in the cost of contracts for suites and marketing. According to the team, the renewal rate crested at 87.3% and 1,544 new full-season ticket plans were sold. . . . Center Jason Allison of the Boston Bruins will sit out the rest of the season after surgery to repair a torn wrist tendon.