Wednesday in the NHL

photo credit: AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh

FLAMES SURVIVE STARS THANKS TO UNLIKELY HEROES
JOKINEN POINTLESS IN HOME DEBUT

Jamie Lundmark and Eric Nystrom scored for the Flames as they held off Dallas Wednesday night in Calgary. Nystrom got the game-winner at 11:46 of the third period off a Fabian Brunnstrom turnover and a Dustin Boyd pass. It was just the fourth goal of the year and first in 14 games for Bobby's son. Miika Kiprusoff needed to make only 18 saves for his league-leading 41st victory. The Flames (41-23-6) able to push their Northwest Division lead to five points over the Canucks. The Stars (33-30-8) remain 9th in the Western Conference, one point behind Edmonton.

Hurricanes 4 -- Devils 2

Martin Brodeur got Wednesday off after setting the all-time wins record the night before. Kevin Weekes could not get the W in relief in Raleigh, giving up two goals to Anton Babchuk and one to Eric Staal. New Jersey's 4-game winning streak and Carolina's 3-game losing streak are now history. Zach Parise (#40) and Brian Gionta scored for the Devils (46-21-3). The Hurricanes (37-28-7) remained tied with Montreal for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

Blue Jackets 4 -- Blackhawks 3 OT

Antoine Vermette's tally 2:38 into overtime kept Chicago in a funk Wednesday night in Columbus. The Blackhawks (37-22-10) have now dropped four straight and six of seven, while the Blue Jackets (37-28-6) tie a franchise record with their 80th point. The goal means Vermette has a point in five of six games since a deadline deal with Ottawa. Chicago is still one point ahead of idle Vancouver for the final home ice slot in round one. Columbus sits sixth in the conference, four points behind the Hawks, who got goals from Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Rick Nash, R.J. Umberger, and Derek Dorsett also scored for the Jackets.

Ducks 4 -- Predators 3 OT

Teemu Selanne got the Ducks the all important second point against Nashville Wednesday night with a power-play marker 34 seconds into overtime in Anaheim. Vernon Fiddler was in the penalty box for tripping Chris Pronger in the final minute of regulation. The win helps the Ducks gain ground on Edmonton, whom they now trail by three points for the final Western Conference playoff spot. The one point puts the Predators (35-30-6) into sole possession of 7th place.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Guy Carbonneau met with Montreal reporters Wednesday afternoon for the first time since being fired as Canadiens head coach. On his 49th birthday, Carbonneau said he was angry with and shocked by Bob Gainey's decision. "I thought we were going in the right direction, despite the fact that we were struggling for a while," Carbonneau stated.

Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis admits that contract talks with the agent for the Sedin twins have hit an impasse. Gillis told a local radio station that negotiations are being put on hold until the offseason so as not to be a distraction as the Canucks push toward the playoffs. Henrik and Daniel are reportedly looking for five-year deals worth $6.5 million annually. The team's latest counter-proposal was for 3-4 years and $5.5 million per season.

The Blackhawks have activated center Sami Pahlsson off injured reserve and he should make his Chicago debut Thursday against Columbus. Pahlsson hasn't played since being trade from Anaheim at the deadline because of mononucleosis.

THURSDAY'S SCHEDULE

Los Angeles @ Boston 7:00pm ET
Montreal @ Ottawa 7:30
Washington @ Tampa Bay 7:30
Toronto @ Florida 7:30
Edmonton @ Colorado 9:00
St. Louis @ Vancouver 10:00
Anaheim @ Phoenix 10:00
Nashville @ San Jose 10:30