Denver — While the Buffalo Sabres celebrated, the Colorado Avalanche merely shrugged.
As the standings will attest, Buffalo's 3-2 overtime victory Saturday held more meaning to the Sabres as they maneuver for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
"This was big," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "Any time you get two points this time of the year, it's big. You don't expect to come west and get two points."
Entering Saturday, five points separated New Jersey and Toronto for the 3-7 playoff spots in the East, with Buffalo residing in sixth. Stu Barnes gave Buffalo its 76th point when he beat Colorado goalie Patrick Roy on a breakaway 2:08 into overtime.
The Avalanche, who lead the NHL with 92 points, outshot the Sabres 35-16 but were content with gaining one point for an overtime loss. They erased a two-goal deficit and opted to be aggressive in the extra period.
Capitals 4, Penguins 3
Washington Richard Zednik scored twice in the third period as Washington made the most of Mario Lemieux's absence by snapping a two-game losing streak. Lemieux, resting a sore back in the second night of consecutive games, missed his first game since returning from a 31/2-year retirement.
Canadiens 3, Flyers 1
Montreal Patrick Traverse's second-period goal, his fourth of the season, started Montreal to a win over Philadelphia. Traverse also assisted on Saku Koivu's 12th goal and Canadiens goalie Jose Theodore Jose Theodore stopped 33 shots.
Lightning 6, Islanders 0
Uniondale, N.Y. Kevin Weekes stopped 25 shots for his third shutout of the season and Vincent Lecavalier and Mike Johnson each had a goal and two assists as Tampa Bay blanked New York.
Panthers 2, Thrashers 2, OT
Atlanta Atlanta goaltender Norm Maracle stopped 41 shots, including three breakaways by Florida's Pavel Bure, as the Thrashers tied the Panthers. Atlanta's Steve Guolla scored the tying goal with 13:59 to play. Jiri Slegr had a goal and an assist for Atlanta.
Bruins 3, Sharks 2
Boston John Grahame made 26 saves for his third consecutive win, and Sergei Samsonov had a goal and an assist to lead Boston over San Jose.
Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2, OT
Toronto Alexei Yashin scored twice, including the game-winner in overtime, as Ottawa beat Toronto. Just 42 seconds into extra time, Yashin stopped in front of defenseman Dmitry Yushkevich, and fired a wrist shot over the shoulder of Toronto goalie Curtis Joseph.
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