NHL

Mathieu Garon made 28 stops to help the Columbus Blue Jackets take a 2-1 win over the Atlanta Thrashers at Nationwide Arena.

Thanks to Atlanta's 2-1 loss to Columbus on Thursday, the Washington Capitals clinched the Southeast Division crown.

The Buffalo Sabres announced on Thursday that the club has renewed its affiliate agreement with Portland of the American Hockey League on a long-term extension.

Rookie forwards usually take at least a season to develop into consistent performers at the NHL level.

The Florida Panthers will try to win four straight games for the first time this season when they visit the Colorado Avalanche tonight at the Pepsi Center.

Having rallied in the third period in each of its last two victories, the San Jose Sharks wrap their season series with the Nashville Predators this evening at HP Pavilion.

Having just picked up their first win since the Winter Olympics break, the Ottawa Senators will now try to pick up their first victory in Calgary since 2003 when they visit the Flames tonight at Pengrowth Saddledome.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to stay perfect since returning from the Olympic break when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at RBC Center.

A pair of teams fighting for a playoff berth in the Western Conference get together tonight at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena, where the hometown Red Wings take on the Minnesota Wild in a key late-season showdown.

The Philadelphia Flyers will try to continue their surge in the right direction when they host the Boston Bruins tonight at Wachovia Center.