Flyers join Rangers atop Atlantic

Mike Knuble scored two of Philadelphia’s three power-play goals in the first period, and the Flyers overcame Jaromir Jagr’s hat trick and moved into a first-place tie with New York by beating the Rangers 6-3 Wednesday night in New York.

The Flyers won for the second straight night, ending New York’s three-game victory streak and catching the Rangers atop the Atlantic Division. Both teams have 39 wins and 88 points.

Philadelphia, which earned its third consecutive road win over the Rangers this season has 12 games remaining. New York will play 13 more.

Jagr, the NHL leader with 49 goals and 104 points, scored twice in the first period and once in the second.

Michal Handzus, Simon Gagne, Jeff Carter and Sami Kapanen also scored for the Flyers.

Panthers 3, Capitals 2: At Sunrise, Fla., Jon Sim, Jozef Stumpel and Joe Nieuwendyk scored goals and Roberto Luongo made 28 saves to lead Florida past Washington for its first four-game winning streak of the season.

The Panthers trail Atlanta by five points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Hurricanes 4, Sabres 3: At Buffalo, N.Y., Justin Williams had a goal and assist and Carolina weathered a three-goal third period to defeat Buffalo.

Kevyn Adams, Cory Stillman and Anton Babchuk also scored for Carolina, which wilted after a four-goal second period in a meeting of two of the Eastern Conference’s elite. Rod Brind’Amour had two assists allowing the Hurricanes (46-17-6) to snap a two-game losing streak and creep within two points of East-leading Ottawa.

Stars 4, Wild 2: At Dallas, Jere Lehtinen, Jon Klemm and Stu Barnes scored goals during a 5:18 span in the third period as Dallas rallied for a victory over Minnesota.

Mighty Ducks 5, Avalanche 4 (OT): At Anaheim, Calif., Jonathan Hedstrom scored on a penalty shot with 1:38 left in overtime and Anaheim rallied from a three-goal deficit to beat Colorado.