Vernon Hot, Flames Roll

Mike Vernon stopped 34 shots for his 26th career shutout and Marc Savard had a goal and an assist as the Calgary Flames defeated the Colorado Avalanche for the first time in nine games, winning 3-0 Tuesday night at Denver.

Cory Stillman added a goal and an assist and Dave Lowry also scored for Calgary.

Vernon was at his best in the third period. He denied Adam Deadmarsh on a back-hander with a sprawling save and Peter Forsberg on a breakaway.

David Aebischer made 18 stops for Colorado, winless in its last four games.

Philadelphia 4, Boston 4--Mike Knuble scored midway through the third period and Byron Dafoe--in his second game back after a three-week layoff because of injury--made 20 saves to lead the Bruins to a tie at Boston.

Former Boston forward Rick Tocchet gave the Flyers their first lead at 4-3 with 11:57 remaining in the third period. Less than two minutes later, Boston tied it at 4-4 when Knuble slipped a rebound past Brian Boucher on the short side.

New York Islanders 2, Carolina 1--Taylor Pyatt scored the winning goal at 2:21 of the third period at Uniondale, N.Y.

Pyatt’s goal was set up by Garry Galley’s slap shot, which was stopped by Arturs Irbe. Bill Muckalt fanned on the rebound before Pyatt moved in and sent a wrist shot past Irbe.

Mark Lawrence also scored for the Islanders, who snapped a five-game home losing streak to the Hurricanes.

Around the League

The San Jose City Council approved a $47-million deal to sell the naming rights to San Jose Arena to Compaq Corp., and also extend the Sharks’ lease in the building by another 10 years. San Jose Arena will be known as Compaq Center at San Jose beginning next season. The naming rights last for 15 years.