Gionta leads Devils past Senators
Brian Gionta swept a rebound past Martin Gerber 2 minutes and 14 seconds into overtime and the New Jersey Devils beat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 Wednesday night in Newark, N.J.
Gionta’s drive was blocked in front, and Jamie Langenbrunner put a rebound off the right pad of Gerber. Gionta got the puck again and scored his 14th goal for the Devils, who won their second straight at home after a 2-4 skid there.
Martin Brodeur, in his 16th straight start, stopped 23 shots through regulation, and Gerber made 28 saves for Ottawa.
Thrashers 3, Capitals 2 (SO): Eric Perrin and Slava Kozlov scored on Atlanta’s first two shootout opportunities and Atlanta beat visiting Washington.
Kari Lehtonen stopped 39 shots before denying Washington’s Alexander Semin and Boyd Gordon in the shootout. Lehtonen also had an assist.
•Left wing Tomas Fleischmann signed a $1.45-million, two-year contract extension with the Capitals.
Canadiens 2, Panthers 1 (OT): Alexei Kovalev’s shot from the right circle 1:43 into overtime gave Montreal a win over Florida in Sunrise, Fla.
Bruins 2, Penguins 1: Boston used first-period goals by Petteri Nokelainen and Vladimir Sobotka as well as a smothering defense to post a victory over the Penguins in Pittsburgh.
Sabres 1, Maple Leafs 0: Ryan Miller stopped 35 shots and Paul Gaustad scored the lone goal, lifting Buffalo to a win over Toronto in Buffalo, N.Y.
Blackhawks 7, Blue Jackets 2: Dustin Byfuglien had a hat trick and Chicago rolled to a big early lead to beat Columbus in Columbus, Ohio.
Lightning announce sale
The Tampa Bay Lightning may soon have some new owners who will bring a Hollywood feel to the NHL franchise.
The team, owned by Michigan-based Palace Sports & Entertainment since 1999, announced that it has been sold to OK Hockey LLC, a group controlled by Los Angeles TV and movie producer Oren Koules.
Koules was part of a group of bidders who tried to purchase the team last year, but the deal unraveled before it was approved by the NHL.
The NHL still has to approve this deal, which is expected to be completed in 3 1/2 months.