SCOREBOARD
Monday, Jan. 7
Minnesota at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST). The Stars are mired in their first four-game losing streak since dropping five in a row during the 2003-04 season.
STARS
Sunday
-Marian Hossa, Thrashers, broke out of a slump with two goals and Atlanta beat Buffalo 5-2.
-Jiri Hudler, Red Wings, had two assists in Detroit’s 3-1 win over Chicago.
STRUGGLING
Atlanta beat Buffalo 5-2 on Sunday to extend the Sabres’ longest losing streak in almost two years. Buffalo has lost six straight for the first time since March 18-27, 2006.
WILD WINGS
Henrik Zetterberg, Dan Cleary and Mikael Samuelsson scored in the first period, and Detroit beat Chicago 3-1 on Sunday for its third straight win and seventh in eight games. The NHL-leading Red Wings beat the Blackhawks for the first time this season after losing their first four contests (0-3-1) against Chicago. The injury-depleted Blackhawks’ losing streak reached a season-high five games (0-4-1).
OUT
Philadelphia forward Joffrey Lupul is expected to miss at least two weeks because of a spinal cord contusion and a mild concussion. Lupul collided with teammate Darien Hatcher in the Flyers’ 3-2 win over Toronto on Saturday and spent the night in the hospital.
COMING ALONG
Top prospect Kyle Okposo will begin his career in the New York Islanders organization with Bridgeport of the AHL. Fresh from the world junior tournament, the No. 7 pick in the 2006 draft will make his debut at Binghamton on Friday.
SPEAKING
“I felt out of sync. It’s hard to come from behind.” – Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller, who made his 14th straight start as the Sabres fell to Atlanta 5-2 on Sunday. Miller posted his only shutout of the season on Oct. 11 against the Thrashers.