Cory Stillman's fourth-round shootout goal gave the Florida Panthers a 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins as Tomas Vokoun made 40 saves to record his third shutout in as many games.

The Bruins had battered the Panthers throughout the game, particularly in a wild second period, but could not find a goal and were made to pay.

The New Jersey Devils beat the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1 on the road to make it nine straight wins away from home to start the season - one shy of the NHL record held by Buffalo.

Niclas Bergfors, Andy Greene, Zach Parise and David Clarkson got the goals.

Ilya Kovalchuk marked his return from six games out with a goal and two assists for the Atlanta Thrashers in a 5-3 win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Kovalchuk had been sidelined with a broken bone in his right foot.

Ray Emery got a measure of revenge against his old team by making 22 saves as the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Ottawa Senators 5-1.

Emery was sent packing by Ottawa after helping them to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, but came out a winner tonight as Danny Briere grabbed two goals in the victory.

Ryan Malone's tying goal 15 seconds from time in regulation sparked a comeback 4-3 victory for the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Minnesota Wild.

Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos scored in the shootout to finish the job.

Jimmy Howard made 31 saves to help the Detroit Red Wings to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, with Henrik Zetterberg scoring the decisive goal in the third period.

Jordin Tootoo's first goal of the season proved to be the difference as the Nashville Predators finished 3-1 winners over the St Louis Blues.

Tootoo, who has missed 13 games through injury, scored with 3:43 left to secure the win.

Quickfire goals from Marc-Andre Bergeron and Glen Metropolit in the third period lifted the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes.

Stephane Robidas grabbed two goals as the Dallas Stars recorded their first shootout victory of the season in beating the San Jose Sharks 3-2.

Robidas scored the decisive goal in the third round.

Thursday Results:

Boston Bruins 0 Florida Panthers 1 (SO)

Detroit Red Wings 3 Vancouver Canucks 1

New York Rangers 3 Atlanta Thrashers 5

Philadelphia Flyers 5 Ottawa Senators 1

Phoenix Coyotes 2 Montreal Canadiens 4

Pittsburgh Penguins 1 New Jersey Devils 4

San Jose Sharks 2 Dallas Stars 3 (SO)

St Louis Blues 1 Nashville Predators 3

Tampa Bay Lightning 4 Minnesota Wild 3 (SO)