Sabres get lift from Conklin

Ty Conklin is already winning over his new Buffalo Sabres teammates.

Conklin made 42 saves Thursday night and helped the Sabres end a season-worst, four-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Florida Panthers at Sunrise, Fla.

“My mind-set going into it was that I want to make a good impression; you want the guys to feel confident with you in the net,” said Conklin, acquired from Columbus on Feb. 27. “While it’s only one game, it’s a bit of a start.”

Dallas 4, Calgary 2 -- Mike Modano scored his 501st goal to move to within one of matching Joe Mullen’s record for U.S.-born players, and the host Stars won their fourth in a row.

New Jersey 3, Carolina 2 -- Erik Rasmussen and Zach Parise scored third-period goals to lead the Devils past the Hurricanes at Raleigh, N.C. Martin Brodeur stopped 38 shots and beat the defending Stanley Cup champions for the third time this season.

Philadelphia 3, Atlanta 2 -- Stefan Ruzicka had a goal and two assists to lead the host Flyers to a four-game season sweep of the Thrashers.

Minnesota 2, Edmonton 1 -- Marian Gaborik and Mark Parrish scored as the visiting Wild handed the Oilers their ninth straight loss.

Boston 4, Washington 3 -- Patrice Bergeron scored to tie the game in the third period, then beat Olaf Kolzig again in the shootout as the host Bruins rallied from a three-goal deficit.

Ottawa 5, N.Y. Islanders 2 -- Chris Neil, Dean McAmmond and Jason Spezza scored goals 1:16 apart early in the third period, leading the Senators past the visiting Islanders.

Vancouver 3, St. Louis 2 -- Daniel Sedin scored a power-play goal 1:09 into overtime for the host Canucks.

San Jose 5, Phoenix 1 -- Joe Thornton had a goal and three assists for the visiting Sharks.