DENVER (AP) Chris Stewart formulated a plan as he fidgeted on the bench, readying himself just in case the shootout dragged out that long.

When his turn came, Stewart went to work, skating down the side, cutting over and lining the puck under the pads of Chicago goalie Antti Niemi - just as he envisioned.

Stewart scored in the eighth round of the shootout, helping the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche remain unbeaten at home with a 4-3 victory over the Blackhawks on Friday night.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) The Toronto Maple Leafs staked their claim to 29th in the NHL.

The Carolina Hurricanes, meanwhile, are all alone in last place. Read More...

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Daniel Carcillo and the rest of Philadelphia's third- and fourth-line players put up some big numbers against stingy Buffalo.

Carcillo scored twice and Ray Emery made 28 saves to lead the Flyers to their fifth straight victory over the Sabres, 5-2 on Friday night. Read More...

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) Everything is falling into place for the New Jersey Devils.

The team is winning despite injuries, the power play is warming up, Patrik Elias is back in the lineup and backup goalie Yann Danis is showing he can give Martin Brodeur a day off without causing problems. Read More...

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Washington came into its game against the Florida Panthers without its star player and left with even more injuries. In between, the beat-up Capitals found a way to finally come away with a win.

Jose Theodore stopped 28 shots, Brendan Morrison scored twice and the Capitals beat the Panthers 4-1 on Friday night to break a three-game losing streak. Read More...

DALLAS (AP) The Dallas Stars peppered Vancouver rookie goalie Cory Schneider with a flurry of shots, and finally a couple found the back of the net.

Brad Richards scored midway through the second period to put Dallas in front, Brenden Morrow added a third-period power-play goal, and the Stars beat Vancouver 2-1 despite Schneider's 45-save performance Friday night. Read More...

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) Alberta's health board says a second person has been fired for helping set up a private clinic for Calgary Flames players and their families to get the H1N1 flu vaccine.

Alberta Health Services launched an investigation earlier this week into how the hockey players got shots while thousands of Albertans waited in line. The investigation found the health agency was approached by a member of the team's medical staff to see if a clinic could be made available. The request was approved by a more senior staff member, who was fired earlier this week. Read More...

TORONTO (AP) Lou Lamoriello has spent more than two decades building the New Jersey Devils into a top organization. He understands what it takes to turn an NHL franchise into a winner.

"I think first of all there has to be a philosophy which you believe in yourself and not only preach, but practice," Lamiorello said Friday during a conference call. "I think what we have tried to do is put a foundation together and stay on track with it. Read More...

MONTREAL (AP) Tampa Bay Lightning rookie Victor Hedman will not be in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens following a body check that left him flattened on the ice.

Hedman says he feels OK but will skip the game as a precaution. The defenseman watched his teammates practice Friday and says he does not want to risk anything this early in the season. He adds that his status is day to day. Read More...

LOS ANGELES (AP) If the Los Angeles Kings' outstanding start is still escaping attention, maybe a come-from-behind win over the defending NHL champions will attract a little notice for Anze Kopitar and his young, hungry club.

Jarrett Stoll scored the go-ahead goal with 7:51 to play, and the Kings rallied for a four-goal third period in a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night. Read More...