NHL

Adrian Aucoin and Rene Bourque scored while Miikka Kiprusoff made 22 saves, as the Calgary Flames defeated the Colorado Avalanche, 4-1, in the opener of a home-and-home set at Saddledome.

Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp both lit the lamp in the shootout, and the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Phoenix Coyotes, 3-2.

Nathan Horton was credited with the game-winning tally in the shootout and the Florida Panthers edged instate rival Tampa Bay, 4-3, at St. Pete Times Forum.

Marek Zidlicky netted the game-winning shootout tally and Niklas Backstrom made 24 saves while halting each of Pittsburgh's three shootout attempts as the Minnesota Wild topped the Penguins, 2-1, at Mellon Arena.

Dwayne Roloson made 37 saves and the Edmonton Oilers exploded with four goals in the third period in their 7-2 thumping of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Ray Whitney's power-play goal in the third period proved to be the game-winner, and Cam Ward was strong with 28 saves, as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 2-1, at RBC Center.

The St. Louis Blues claimed forward B.J. Crombeen on waivers from the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

The Calgary Flames seek their third straight win over the Colorado Avalanche, as the clubs open a home-and-home set tonight in Canada at Pengrowth Saddledome.

The Edmonton Oilers will try avoid a fourth consecutive loss when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets for tonight's matchup at Nationwide Arena.

The Montreal Canadiens will try to win back-to-back games for the first time in over two weeks when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes for tonight's test at RBC Center.