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NHL

NHL North-East division leaders Buffalo Sabres saw off Central Division counterparts Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 despite the absence of regular netminder Ryan Miller.

Back-up Patrick Laline shone with 39 saves as Thomas Vanek and Clarke MacArthur scored the goals, Patrick Sharp responding as the Hawks suffered only their eighth defeat of the season.

Martin Havalat's overtime goal gave Minnesota Wild, fifth in the North-West, a 2-1 win over divisional leaders Calgary Flames as underdogs enjoyed an impressive night around the league.

James Sheppard had cancelled out an opener from Calgary's Aaron Johnson after two scoreless periods.

South-East strugglers Florida Panthers left New Jersey Devils' hold on the Atlantic Division summit looking fragile with a 4-2 win.

Jordan Leopold, Michael Frolik (two) and Shawn Matthias were the Panthers' goalscorers, Brian Rolston and Dean McAmmond replying for New Jersey.

Ex-Devils keeper Scott Clemmenson made 26 saves to keep his former employers level on points with Pittsburgh Penguins, albeit having played two games less.

South-East pace-setters Washington Capitals only just survived another upset, Mike Green's overtime goal seeing them past the division's bottom side Carolina Hurricanes 4-3.

San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov's heroics were in vain as the Pacific Division leaders were beaten in a shoot-out by Dallas Stars.

Nabokov made 42 saves as the match finished 2-2, and eight more in the shoot-out before Matt Niskanen finally found a way past him to settle the match.

Elsewhere, Colorado Avalanche beat Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 and Detroit Red Wings saw off Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in further overtime games, while Edmonton Oilers sank fellow strugglers St Louis Blues 5-3.