Jagr Breaks Tie, Rangers’ Losing Streak

Jaromir Jagr ended a third-period tie with his NHL-leading 45th goal and the New York Rangers ended a six-game losing streak by outlasting the Washington Capitals, 5-4, on Thursday night in New York.

Jagr, who also assisted on Petr Sykora’s second-period goal, used his backhand to steer around defenseman Shaone Morrisonn, switched the puck to his forehand and slid a shot around Olie Kolzig’s pad to make it 5-4 at 7:08 while the teams were skating four-on-four.

That was enough to end the Rangers’ longest losing streak of the season and put New York back on top of the Atlantic Division, two points ahead of Philadelphia.

San Jose 5, St. Louis 2 -- Tom Preissing and Steve Bernier each scored twice at home for the Sharks, who stretched their winning streak to four games and moved within three points of eighth-place Vancouver in the Western Conference playoff race.

Boston 3, Ottawa 2 -- Patrice Bergeron scored the winning goal in the shootout and Tim Thomas stopped three shots to help the host Bruins end a six-game losing streak.

The Bruins won only their second game in March; the Senators lost for the first time in three tries and fell to 7-1-1 since the Olympic break.

Atlanta 4, New York Islanders 2 -- Kari Lehtonen continued his strong goaltending with 28 saves at home for the Thrashers, who moved within a point of eighth-place Montreal in Eastern Conference.

Lehtonen has won nine of his last 12 games to keep the Thrashers in the race for their first playoff berth.

Atlanta won for the eighth time in 10 games and ended the Islanders’ four-game winning streak.

New Jersey 2, Pittsburgh 1 -- Brian Gionta and John Madden scored and Martin Brodeur made 13 saves to help the host Devils end a two-game losing streak.

Buffalo 3, Toronto 1 -- Chris Drury had two goals and an assist, and Mike Grier scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period at home to lead the Sabres to their eighth consecutive win.

Carolina 5, Montreal 1 -- Justin Williams and Ray Whitney each scored twice and Eric Staal got his 40th goal on the road for the Hurricanes, who moved atop the NHL’s overall standings.

Nashville 2, Phoenix 0 -- Tomas Vokoun stopped 24 shots at home for the Predators for his second straight shutout.

Edmonton 3, Calgary 2 -- Shawn Horcoff scored 3:04 into overtime at Edmonton, Canada, off a feed from Sergei Samsonov.