Ottawa Senators closed to within three points of Buffalo as Daniel Alfredsson's last-minute double secured a 4-2 win against Sabres.

Jason Spezza had fired the Senators 2-0 up, only for quickfire goals from Andrej Sekera and Tim Connolly to level the match in the third period.

But Alfredsson's late intervention prevented Buffalo from going second overall in the Eastern conference.

And Western Conference high-fliers Chicago Blackhawks were also defeated, going down 3-2 to St Louis Blues.

After Patrick Kane put Chicago ahead, David Backes scored twice and Jay McClement also found the target as the Blues dominated the second period, meaning Marian Hossa's strike in the third was in vain.

Elsewhere, Curtis Glencross' hat-trick earned Calgary Flames a 4-1 win over Carolina Hurricanes, goals from Ryan Whitney, Kyle Chipchura and Bobby Ryan saw Anaheim Ducks beat Detroit Red Wings 3-1 and Ryan Potulny's power-play goal 17 seconds from time earned Edmonton Oilers a 1-0 win over Philadelphia Flyers.