NHL

The Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday announced goaltender Kari Lehtonen underwent successful back surgery and will be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks.

The Columbus Blue Jackets activated defenseman Jan Hejda off injured reserve Wednesday.

The Colorado Avalanche will try to avoid losing three consecutive games for the first time this season tonight, when they host the Phoenix Coyotes at the Pepsi Center.

Carolina's quest to snap its franchise-record tying losing streak just got a little harder, as the Hurricanes will be without center Eric Staal for tonight's game against the Florida Panthers at BankAtlantic Center.

The Dallas Stars are likely to get a trio of players back for tonight's home contest versus the Calgary Flames at American Airlines Center.

The red-hot San Jose Sharks will shoot for a sixth consecutive victory when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets for a clash at Nationwide Arena.

The Washington Capitals will try to end a two-game slide without the services of superstar Alex Ovechkin when they visit the New Jersey Devils for tonight's battle at Prudential Center.

The Buffalo Sabres will be seeking to exact some revenge tonight when they welcome the streaking New York Islanders for a battle at HSBC Arena.

Mikael Samuelson scored twice and Ryan Kesler tallied three assists in Vancouver's 4-1 victory over the New York Rangers in a fiery contest from General Motors Place.

Pascal Dupuis netted the game-winning goal midway through the third period, as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Anaheim Ducks, 4-3, at Honda Center.