Dallas has the last word with 4-2 win

Stu Barnes and Mike Modano each had a goal and an assist, and the Dallas Stars got revenge where it counted Saturday night by beating the Nashville Predators, 4-2, at Nashville.

The Predators came in needing a victory to pass Detroit and move back atop the Central Division and Western Conference standings while tying Buffalo for the NHL lead.

But there was more to this game than that. It marked the first time the teams had met since March 17 when Predators forward Jordin Tootoo decked Stephane Robidas, knocking him out with an unexpected gloved punch.

Dallas, trying to stay close to the Pacific Division-leading Ducks for a chance at home-ice advantage in the playoffs, improved to 10-1-1 over its last 12 games.

Colorado 2, Minnesota 1 -- Goalie Peter Budaj tied a team record at Denver with his 10th victory of the month. He tied the record for wins in any month set by Daniel Bouchard with the Quebec Nordiques in February 1981 and broke the March mark of nine set by Jocelyn Thibault in 1995 and tied by Patrick Roy in 2000 and 2003.

Atlanta 3, Boston 2 -- Keith Tkachuk scored the winner with 18.6 seconds left in the third period at Boston, and the Thrashers moved a step closer to clinching their first playoff berth. They improved to 41-27-11 and are three points ahead of Tampa Bay in the Southeast Division.

Tampa Bay 5, Washington 2 -- Vincent Lecavalier scored his league-leading 51st goal to help the host Lightning win and remain in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of the New York Rangers.

New York Rangers 6, Philadelphia 4 -- Jaromir Jagr had two goals at Philadelphia to help the Rangers win for the sixth time in seven games.

Montreal 4, Buffalo 3 -- Saku Koivu scored the decisive goal 3:22 into the third period at Montreal. He intercepted Alex Kotalik’s clearing attempt, then beat Ty Conklin with a shot into the top right corner.

Ottawa 5, New York Islanders 2 -- Mike Comrie scored twice at Uniondale, N.Y., to help the Senators complete a sweep of the season series against the Islanders.

Toronto 5, Pittsburgh 4 -- Tomas Kaberle scored his second goal of the game at 3:55 of overtime at Toronto.

Calgary 3, Vancouver 2 -- Miikka Kiprusoff made 32 saves at Vancouver as the Flames remained seven points ahead of Colorado for the final Western Conference playoff spot.