Oilers end long winless streak

Marty Reasoner had the only goal in the shootout and the Edmonton Oilers ended a 12-game winless streak by defeating the Colorado Avalanche, 4-3, Friday night at Edmonton for their first victory in a month.

The defeat ended a four-game winning streak for the Avalanche, but it remained undefeated in regulation in its last 11, improving to five points behind Calgary for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Buffalo 6, Toronto 5 -- Drew Stafford broke a third-period tie, and the Sabres erased a three-goal third-period deficit at Buffalo, N.Y. The win gave the Sabres 103 points, breaking a tie with Nashville for the league’s top spot.

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With the NHL facing an ongoing image problem, the debate rages as to what role fighting plays. To the die-hards and purists, the act of dropping the gloves is not only popular, but a necessary part of policing the game.

“It’s probably time that the general managers ask the question, ‘Where are we at with this?’ ” NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell said. “I am not saying that it should be abolished, but I think we always should ask questions.”