03.03.2025
Pittsburgh Penguins 5 - 6 Toronto Maple Leafs
William Nylander scored his team-leading 35th goal just one minute into overtime to secure a 6-5 victory for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking Toronto's fifth consecutive win. Throughout the game, both teams displayed a remarkable back-and-forth with Toronto overcoming two deficits, including a late goal by Matthew Knies, achieving the rare feat of scoring in the final second of a period for a fifth time this season. Auston Matthews and John Tavares were pivotal for Toronto, with Matthews hitting a milestone of 700 NHL points and tying for second in Maple Leafs history with 390 goals. Sidney Crosby shone for Pittsburgh, surpassing 1,050 career assists—moving past Gordie Howe for 10th in NHL history—and contributing with a goal and two assists. Despite the loss, the Penguins’ Rickard Rakell achieved his 500th NHL point and contributed two goals. Both teams faced challenges, but Nylander's overtime heroics highlighted the Maple Leafs' resilience and prolonged their winning streak.
Minnesota Wild 1 - 0 Boston Bruins
Gustavsson makes 28 saves, Wild shut out Bruins to end 3-game skid
ST. PAUL, Minn. --
“Yeah, we had a tough loss to the Red Wings at home (3-2 on Feb. 25), and then we played horrible for two games there on the road and get back here and get a dirty 1-0 win," Gustavsson said. "It feels good."
“It was good, coming out of the road trip and taking some lessons out of the last two games,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “We played fairly solid. There wasn’t a ton going on in the game in general, but a good win.”
“It was a tight-checking game. It was hard fought,” Bruins coach Joe Sacco said. “There wasn’t a lot of easy ice out there for either team. I thought our guys showed a real strong effort today, coming off back-to-back games. It’s disappointing. Obviously, we want points right now, and we’ve got to find ways to get it behind the goaltender."
Gaudreau gave the Wild a 1-0 lead at 5:01 of the second period, getting position in front to redirect
“I think both teams played a strong defensive game,” Bruins defenseman
NOTES: Forward
Carolina Hurricanes 2 - 1 Calgary Flames
Sebastian Aho continued his scoring streak by netting his third consecutive game-winning goal in overtime, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. Aho's sixth goal in the past seven games came from a one-timer assisted by Jaccob Slavin, who also scored in the second period. Aho's fifth overtime goal this season tied an NHL regular-season record, showcasing his creativity and competitive edge as highlighted by coach Rod Brind'Amour. Pyotr Kochetkov made 15 saves for the Hurricanes, who have now won two of their last three games. Despite Nazem Kadri tying the game with a power-play goal in the third period and the Flames displaying strong defensive work to push the game into overtime, it was Carolina's night. The Flames' forward momentum has been stymied by a scoring rut, but coach Ryan Huska remains optimistic that their work ethic will turn the tide.
Dallas Stars 6 - 3 St Louis Blues
Wyatt Johnston's exceptional performance with three power-play goals led the Dallas Stars to a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues, snapping the Blues' four-game winning streak. Johnston, who achieved his second hat trick this season and third in the NHL, highlighted the Stars' dominant special teams play at the American Airlines Center. Roope Hintz contributed significantly with a goal and three assists, continuing his impressive form with eight points over his last two games. Despite being heavily outshot, Dallas's goaltender, Jake Oettinger, made 39 saves, providing a solid backbone for the team's triumph. Dallas coach Pete DeBoer credited the win to both special teams and Oettinger's performance, underscoring the importance of their power play in securing the victory. St. Louis's five-on-five play was lauded by their coach Jim Montgomery, although he acknowledged the team's struggle in countering Dallas's strong power play. Notably, Johnston became the ninth active player with at least three hat tricks before the age of 22, joining a prestigious group that includes Patrik Laine and Connor McDavid.
New York Rangers 4 - 0 Nashville Predators
Quick gets shutout in 800th NHL game, Rangers defeat Predators
“The first 40 minutes tonight and last game, I do think we were pretty tight defensively,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said. “We’ve got to play that way, and when there are breakdowns, you need your goaltender to make saves, and both guys are doing that. [Quick] was fantastic tonight, especially in the third when that game is 3-0. He had to make some big saves.”
“I started my career playing with [Quick] and now still playing with him, it’s crazy how athletic he is still at this age (39),” New York forward
“I mean we’ve got to score a goal,” Nashville forward
It was the ninth time this season the Predators have been shutout.
“I thought we had some really good looks,” Nashville coach Andrew Brunette said. “I think overall as a group it’s been like this all year, especially the last stretch. We’re a little bit snakebitten. It’s hard for us to score right now.”
Panarin gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead at 8:32 of the first period on a slap shot from the right circle on a partial breakaway.
“I thought we played well,” New York defenseman
Brett Berard made it 4-0 at 16:57 of the third period on a wrist shot from the slot off a pass from
“Coming off of last game, it was one that we felt like we should’ve won,” Brodzinski said. “We played good enough to win. We just kind of brought that hard work. I thought we were extremely physical last game. I thought the same thing tonight. Just being harder to play against, and I think it’s transitioning over to our offensive play and we’re just getting more opportunities from it.”
NOTES: Forward
Vegas Golden Knights 2 - 0 New Jersey Devils
Hill makes 25 saves, Golden Knights shut out Devils
LAS VEGAS --
“It's always fun when both goalies are having a good game. I mean, I think every goalie in the League would prefer lower-scoring games,” Hill said. “We had a good, full 60-minute performance tonight. We didn't give up much defensively. ... So, it was a pretty tight game out there, good checking both ways.”
“We had a lot of chances there in the second period,” Hanifin said. “The first period was a little shaky, but we got better and we just stuck with it. Their goalie made some big saves, and we stayed patient and fortunately capitalized on some power plays.”
“Obviously, it felt good to be out there playing. It's been a few weeks here and, unfortunately, we couldn't get away with two points,” Markstrom said. “I feel like conditioning and strengthwise, I feel strong enough from working out in the gym for 5 1/2 weeks. Just playing the game, I felt all right, but you want the goals back.”
Devils forward
“Real hard to see him go down. No update. He is going to have to be evaluated,” New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe said. “Obviously, it didn't look good. We're going to have to take the time to know the full extent of it. But yeah, it's tough to see it.” Stone gave the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead at 1:27 of the third period, redirecting Hanifin's point shot under Markstrom's glove for a power-play goal.
“We're confident, comfortable,” Stone said. “Everybody feels comfortable in their position. ... It's taking what's given to you, right? These guys do a pretty good job at taking away the elbows. We did get a couple of shots there, but if you look at where they're giving up goals, it's shots in the top with the guys in front.”
Hanifin scored another power-play goal to make it 2-0 at 9:10. Eichel won a face-off back to Hanifin, who scored with a slap shot from above the circles.
“They were cheating on Jack a little bit, so take the shot from the top to stretch them out, and it happened to find a way in. So, good for him,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “It was the right time to put the puck to the net.”
NOTES: Vegas defenseman