The Boston Bruins moved into a tie for the NHL's Eastern Conference lead with a 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers on Friday. Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron had a goal and an assist each to lead Boston to its eighth victory in nine games, and seventh straight at home. The Bruins drew level with the New York Rangers - idle Friday - with 30 points in the conference race. Hurricanes 5, Coyotes 2: In Raleigh, North Carolina, Eric Staal scored three goals in quick succession to lead Carolina over Phoenix and to a season-high third straight victory. Ending an eight-game scoring drought, Staal completed his fifth career hat trick in the span of just 24 minutes. The win moved the Hurricanes within a point of Southeast Division leader Washington. Flyers 3, Sabres 0: In Buffalo, New York, Martin Biron made 40 saves for his first shutout of the season against his old team as Philadelphia beat Buffalo. Jeff Carter scored twice for the Flyers, who notched a third straight win, while the Sabres have lost four in a row. Blues 3, Ducks 2, OT: In St. Louis, the home side put an end to Anaheim's run of five straight wins on the road. Lee Stempniak scored with 2:21 left in overtime for the Blues. The Ducks had equalized with less than a second left in regulation time to force overtime. Devils 5, Islanders 2: In Newark, New Jersey, David Clarkson and Travis Zajac scored 10 seconds apart in the first period, setting up New Jersey's win over New York. Goaltender Kevin Weekes made 25 saves for his 100th NHL victory as the Devils brought up their third straight win while ending the Islanders' streak at the same number. Lightning 4, Predators 1: In Tampa, Florida, Tampa Bay recorded its first win under interim coach Rick Tocchet, downing Nashville. Vincent Lecavalier had two goals for the Lightning, who installed Tocchet after firing Barry Melrose in the middle of this month. The Lightning ended a five
