Panthers Send Stars to Another Road Loss

Marcus Nilson’s second goal of the season came at a perfect time for the Florida Panthers.

Nilson scored a short-handed goal in the second period Friday night to lead the Panthers to a 1-0 victory over the Dallas Stars at Sunrise, Fla.

“Our line’s been playing well, so I’ve had a lot of chances,” Nilson said. “It was just a matter of time as far as me scoring. It feels good, but most of all, we pulled the win off.”

Nilson scored for the first time since Oct. 13, taking a pass from Byron Ritchie on a three-on-two break and flipping a soft shot over the diving Marty Turco.

Nilson’s goal stood up because of a strong performance in goal by Roberto Luongo, who made 36 saves for his second shutout of the season.

Dallas had its three-game winning streak ended and its road woes extended. The Stars are 3-12-2 in away games, matching their total for road losses during the 2002-03 season. Dallas is winless in its last six games away from the American Airlines Center.

“That’s the difference between our game on the road and at home,” Star Coach Dave Tippett said. “We score at home.”

Calgary 2, Columbus 1 -- Matthew Lombardi scored a short-handed goal and Mikka Kiprusoff stopped 34 shots and survived 13 power plays at Columbus, Ohio, to help the Flames extend their winning streak to three games and unbeaten streak to five (4-0-1-0).

Rick Nash scored his NHL-leading 20th goal, but the Blue Jackets set a franchise record for power plays and failed to score on any of them.

Toronto 2, Washington 2 -- The visiting Maple Leafs extended their franchise-record points streak to 13 games with a tie against the Capitals at Washington.

Toronto goalie Trevor Kidd made 25 saves in only his second game of the season in place of Ed Belfour, and Washington’s Olaf Kolzig overcame his recent struggles to stop 32 shots.

Detroit 3, Chicago 2 -- Brendan Shanahan scored a tiebreaking goal in the second period, and Manny Legace made 28 saves to lead the Red Wings to their eighth consecutive home victory.

Ray Whitney, returning from a groin injury, and Nicklas Lidstrom also scored for the Red Wings, who improved to 10-1-1-1 in their last 13. Henrik Zetterberg had two assists.

New Jersey 5, Buffalo 2 -- Brian Gionta had two goals and an assist, and Martin Brodeur made 31 saves at Buffalo, N.Y., to help the Devils to their sixth win in eight games (6-1-1).

The loss extended the Sabres’ losing streak to seven games, tying a franchise record.