Stars Can’t Stop Sakic and Lose to Avalanche

Joe Sakic had two goals and an assist and the Colorado Avalanche, despite being outshot, 41-21, defeated the Dallas Stars, 4-2, Friday night at Denver.

Sakic, who scored 22 points in November, scored in each of the first two periods and assisted on Milan Hejduk’s goal in the third period.

Patrick Roy, extending his NHL-record victory total to 458, had 40 saves as the Avalanche (18-4-3) continued its fastest start in franchise history and posted its fourth win in a row.

New Jersey 0, New York Islanders 0--John Vanbiesbrouck stopped Patrik Elias’ penalty shot in overtime at East Rutherford, N.J., and made 26 saves as the Islanders played their first scoreless game in nearly 11 years.

Vanbiesbrouck, who played for the Rangers against the Islanders in their last scoreless game on Dec. 9, 1989, forced Elias toward the right post and his backhand attempt hit the side of the net.

Pittsburgh 6, Buffalo 4--Josef Beranek scored a decisive third-period goal and Jaromir Jagr broke a four-game pointless streak with two assists at Buffalo.

It was the second time Jagr stopped a four-game pointless streak against Buffalo. In 1995, he had three assists in a game against the Sabres. Jagr, who led the league in points last season--hasn’t scored a goal in seven games.

Washington 3, Boston 2--Ulf Dahlen had two goals, including the tiebreaking score with 14:11 left, as the Capitals extended their home winning streak to five.

Detroit 3, Florida 1--Manny Legace, sidelined the previous two games by a sprained knee, made 26 saves at Sunrise, Fla. He improved to 8-1-1 in his last 10 games and 10-2-1 overall.

Atlanta 5, Tampa Bay 3--Steve Guolla scored twice, including the go-ahead goal with 2:36 left in the third period, giving the Thrashers only their second victory in eight games and third at home in 12 games.

Chicago 2, Nashville 1--Eric Daze had a goal and an assist at Nashville to help spoil Chris Mason’s first NHL start in goal. The Blackhawks won for the second time in three games and ended the Predators’ three-game winning streak.

Around the League

The Buffalo Sabres put forward Doug Gilmour on injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 22. Gilmour, an 18-year veteran, has been bothered by a pelvic injury which has caused him to sit out four games. He had a bone scan done on Monday which came back negative. . . . The Vancouver Canucks put defenseman Greg Hawgood on waivers. The Canucks are hoping to send him to Kansas City of the International Hockey League, but must wait until Tuesday to see if he clear waivers.