Kane’s shootout goal lifts Blackhawks past Sabres

Benn leads Stars to win against Hubs in leaders’ clash

BUFFALO, New York, Dec 20, (AP): Patrick Kane made his Buffalo homecoming a winning one by scoring the tying goal in the final minute and then adding the lone shootout goal in leading the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-2 victory over the Sabres on Saturday.

Kane tied it with 34 seconds left while the Blackhawks enjoyed a 6-on-3 advantage.

Dennis Rasmussen also scored for Chicago, which improved to 6-2 in its past eight.

Ryan O’Reilly and Cody Franson scored for Buffalo, which is 0-7-1 in its past eight games against Chicago.

Avalanche 5, Oilers 1 In Denver, Semyon Varlamov made 39 saves, Jarome Iginla scored his 598th career goal and the Avalanche beat the Oilers for their fifth consecutive win.

Varlamov tied his career high with his sixth victory in a row and improved to 7-1 in December.

Tyson Barrie had a goal and an assist, and Blake Comeau and Nick Holden also scored for the Avalanche. Colorado (1716-1) is above .500 for the first time this season.

Blues 3, Flames 2 In St Louis, Vladimir Tarasenko had a goal and two assists, lifting the Blues to a win over the Flames.

Colton Parayko and Jori Lehtera also Chad Johnson #31 of the Buffalo Sabres attempts to make a save during the game against the Chicago

Blackhawks at the First Niagara Center on Dec 19, in Buffalo, New York. (AFP)