Lee Diekemper on the night in the NHL.

Panthers 5, Capitals 3: The stinking Panthers scored four unanswered and the Caps couldn’t rally. This despite being held to 21 shots.

Sharks 5, Maple Leafs 2: The Sharks are unbeaten at home in the HP Pavilion Arena through 14 games. Janet Gretzky’s bookie is all too aware of this. Joe Thornton started the game on fire scoring a goal and adding three assists all in the first period.

Flyers 4, Lightning 3 (OT): Mike Richards — not that Mike Richards — scored the game-winner in overtime, his second goal of the night. The Lightning are 2-8 in overtime games. If one didn’t know better, suspicious minds might think Lightning coach Rick Tocchet may have a wagering interest. Oh wait…

Stars 3, Flames 1: After getting suspending for mocking the Flames for falling “in love with my sloppy seconds,” Stars agitator Sean Avery’s absence spooked the Flames. Why? He had time to reacquaint himself with his sloppy seconds.