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Blackhawks downed by Buffalo Sabres

Nathan Paetsch of the Buffalo Sabres attempts a shot on goal in the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. PHOTO: AFP

Ryan Miller made 34 saves and Jochen Hecht and Maxim Afinogenov scored to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 2-1 victory over the slumping Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

Miller wasn't heavily tested by sputtering Chicago, which lost its fourth straight. He lost a bid for his second shutout of the season when Denis Arkhipov had a short-handed goal with 49.1 seconds left in the game.

The Sabres improved to 7-2-1 in their last 10 with their second straight win. They have 65 points, tied with Anaheim for the league lead.

Chicago is 1-6-0 in its last seven games following a 9-3-3 stretch immediately after Denis Savard took over as coach on Nov. 27.

Buffalo center Chris Drury was able to return to the game midway through the second period after hobbling off the ice early in the first.

Blues 3, Devils 2

At East Rutherford, New Jersey, Dallas Drake scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second period and Manny Legace made 24 saves for St. Louis.

Keith Tkachuk and Dan Hinote also scored for the Blues, who won their second game in two nights, both on the road.

Legace held off the Devils in the third period, stopping all 13 shots -- including Brian Rafalski's slap shot through a screen in the final seconds.

After a terrible start to the season, St. Louis has won eight of its last 11.

John Madden and Brian Gionta scored for the Devils, who had won three in a row.

Panthers 5, Penguins 2

At Sunrise, Florida, Olli Jokinen scored three goals to help Florida beat Penguins.

It was Jokinen's third career hat trick and his second this season. Jozef Stumpel and Martin Gelinas each had a goal and two assists for Florida, which improved to 4-0-1 in its last five at home.
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