National Hockey

LAS VEGAS — The Golden Knights haven't wasted any time in making an impact on the NHL. Fans in large part can thank James Neal for that.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks felt some urgency going into Thursday night, and they responded. Timo Meier scored late in the second period, lifting the Sharks over Jason Pominville and the Buffalo Sabres 3-2.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Jimmy Howard faced 35 shots Thursday night, the third time in three games Howard has seen at least that many attempts.

VANCOUVER — The Winnipeg Jets are finding their stride following a nightmare start to the season. Patrik Laine and Tyler Myers scored 3:13 apart late in the second period Thursday as Winnipeg downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-2.

TAMPA, Fla. — Steven Stamkos scored his first goal since having right knee surgery in November and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 on Thursday night.

CHICAGO — Chris Stewart and the injury-depleted Minnesota Wild got the breaks they needed for their first victory of the season.

NASHVILLE — Samuel Girard is making a big first impression. Girard scored his first NHL goal and added an assist to lead the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Roberto Luongo finally tied Curtis Joseph for fourth place on the NHL career victory list. Luongo reached 454 victories, making 37 saves to help the Florida Panthers beat the St. Louis Blues 5-2 on Thursday night.

TAMPA, Fla. — Steven Stamkos' 11-month wait for a goal is over. Stamkos scored his first goal since having right knee surgery last November and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 on Thursday night.

NEWARK, N.J. — New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod had arthroscopic surgery Thursday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Injured Sept. 25 in an exhibition game against the New York Islanders, McLeod is expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks.