NHL: Anaheim 3, Dallas 2 (OT)

ANAHEIM, Calif., March 23 (UPI) -- Scott Niedermayer scored 2:28 into overtime Friday night, giving Anaheim a crucial 3-2 victory over Dallas.

The Ducks opened a four-point lead over San Jose in the race for the Pacific Division title. Dallas fell six points behind Anaheim.

Anaheim won for the 44th time this season, establishing a franchise record. The Ducks had lost three of their previous four games. Dallas lost for just the second time in eight outings.

Mike Modano, who last week became the all-time leading American goal scorer in the NHL, put Dallas in front 1:40 into the third period. But Chris Kunitz tied it just over three minutes later.