26.03.2025
Buffalo Sabres 3 - 2 Ottawa Senators
In a thrilling match at KeyBank Center, the Buffalo Sabres edged past the Ottawa Senators 3-2 thanks to Tage Thompson's decisive early third-period goal, marking his 35th of the season. The assist came from Zach Benson after a persistent effort behind the net. The win, which boosted Buffalo's record to 4-2-0 in their last six games, was especially significant for Sabres' coach Lindy Ruff, who notched his 600th victory with the team, becoming only the second coach in NHL history to achieve this milestone with a single franchise. Jacob Bernard-Docker, a newcomer for Buffalo, scored his first goal for the team, and James Reimer impressed with 30 saves. Despite goals from Brady Tkachuk and David Perron, Ottawa fell short, remaining precariously above the Montreal Canadiens in the playoff race. The game featured a notable performance from Bernard-Docker, who has quickly amassed three points in as many games since debuting with the Sabres.
Toronto Maple Leafs 7 - 2 Philadelphia Flyers
The Toronto Maple Leafs soared to a decisive 7-2 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers at Scotiabank Arena, with standout performances by William Nylander and John Tavares, each notching two goals and two assists. Nylander's impressive night included his 40th goal of the season, making him the fourth Maple Leaf in history to achieve three consecutive 40-goal seasons. Toronto's victory tied them for first place in the Atlantic Division, a prospect that excites Bobby McMann, who contributed with a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, the struggling Flyers, with coach John Tortorella taking responsibility for the team's recent downturn, saw Ryan Poehling initially give them a lead before the Maple Leafs unleashed six unanswered goals. The Flyers, now winless in their last six games, are significantly trailing in the race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay Lightning 6 - 1 Pittsburgh Penguins
The Tampa Bay Lightning dominated the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 6-1 victory at Amalie Arena, highlighted by Nikita Kucherov surpassing 100 points for the season with a goal and two assists. Kucherov, who reached this milestone for the third consecutive season and fifth time in his career, extended his point streak to six games. Anthony Cirelli celebrated his 500th NHL game by scoring twice, while Ryan McDonagh and Brandon Hagel each contributed a goal and an assist. The Lightning halted their two-game losing streak and solidified their standing in the Atlantic Division, trailing the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers by just two points. Despite Bryan Rust's late goal, the Penguins continued their struggle, remaining out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Tristan Jarry was replaced after conceding four goals on seven shots, while Sidney Crosby extended his point streak to eight games, putting him within one point of breaking Wayne Gretzky's record for the most point-per-game seasons in NHL history.
Carolina Hurricanes 1 - 3 Nashville Predators
In a matchup at Lenovo Center, the Nashville Predators emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, thanks predominantly to Luke Evangelista's two-goal performance. Michael Bunting also scored for Nashville, with Marc Del Gaizo contributing two assists, as the Predators improved their record by winning two out of their last three games. Juuse Saros made an impressive 34 saves to secure his 200th career NHL win, an exciting milestone for the 29-year-old goaltender. Despite outshooting Nashville 16-2 in the second period and Taylor Hall's power-play goal narrowing the gap, the Hurricanes fell short, losing their second game in three after an eight-game winning streak. The win marked a season sweep for the Predators over the Hurricanes, as they had previously triumphed in a 5-2 victory earlier in the season. Nashville's 16 shots on goal tied their season low, but they capitalized on key opportunities to claim the win.
St Louis Blues 6 - 1 Montreal Canadiens
Robert Thomas and Philip Broberg each recorded four points, leading the St. Louis Blues to a commanding 6-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, marking their seventh consecutive win, the longest streak for the team since 2022. Thomas and Broberg both contributed a goal and three assists in a game that saw the Blues improve to 14-2-2 in their last 18 outings, pulling them closer to a playoff spot while keeping a narrow lead in the wild card race. Jordan Binnington was solid in goal, making 24 saves to clinch his fourth straight win, while Dylan Holloway also shone with a goal and an assist. Jordan Kyrou, with a seven-game point streak, opened the scoring, and Zack Bolduc capped it with a power-play goal. Despite Nick Suzuki's equalizer for Montreal, the Canadiens struggled, ending their six-game point streak and remaining on the edge of their own playoff push. Montreal coach Martin St. Louis referred to the loss as "fertilizer," suggesting it as a learning opportunity despite issues in the team's forecheck and execution during a crucial part of their season.
Minnesota Wild 1 - 5 Vegas Golden Knights
In a dominant display, Jack Eichel scored a hat trick to lead the Vegas Golden Knights to a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. This marked Eichel's fifth NHL hat trick and his first since March 2023. Eichel, who is on a four-game point streak with ten points, capitalized on key plays and power plays, aided by teammates like Mark Stone, who contributed two assists. Brett Howden and Tanner Pearson also scored for the Golden Knights, while Adin Hill made 23 saves. Marcus Johansson netted the lone goal for the Wild, who struggled despite Marc-Andre Fleury's 33 saves and a fleeting momentum early in the third period. The Golden Knights continue to lead the Pacific Division, winning four straight games, though they were without Alex Pietrangelo due to a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, the Wild remain ahead of the St. Louis Blues for a wild card spot in the playoffs.
Winnipeg Jets 3 - 2 Washington Capitals
In a thrilling game at Canada Life Centre, the Winnipeg Jets secured a playoff berth with a 3-2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals. Alex Ovechkin scored his 889th career goal, moving closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time record, by tying the game late in the third period. However, it was Nikolaj Ehlers who clinched the win for Winnipeg with an overtime breakaway goal. The game, described as a "heavyweight battle," saw goals from Josh Morrissey and Mason Appleton for the Jets and Andrew Mangiapane for the Capitals. Despite Washington's push in the third period, the Jets held firm, securing crucial points to remain competitive in the race for the Presidents' Trophy. Connor Hellebuyck's 27 saves also played a vital role in Winnipeg's triumph, marking their resilience and ability to capitalize on critical moments against a leading team from the Eastern Conference.
Colorado Avalanche 5 - 2 Detroit Red Wings
The Colorado Avalanche continued their strong run with a 5-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in Denver, bolstered by standout performances from Nathan MacKinnon, Devon Toews, and Valeri Nichushkin. MacKinnon, who extended his home point streak to 22 games, contributed a goal and an assist, while Toews tallied a goal and two assists. Nichushkin also scored and extended his point streak to six games. Despite a spirited effort from Detroit, which included a goal and an assist from J.T. Compher and a late goal by Austin Watson, the Avalanche's effective power play and consistent offensive pressure ensured their third consecutive win. This victory brought Colorado within three points of the Dallas Stars for second place in the Central Division. Detroit, coming off a win against the Utah Hockey Club, struggled to maintain momentum and has now lost three of their last four games. Notably, the Red Wings recalled Sebastian Cossa under emergency conditions, with Cam Talbot unavailable to play.
Calgary Flames 4 - 3 Seattle Kraken
In a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Seattle Kraken, Nazem Kadri emerged as the hero for the Calgary Flames by scoring twice, including the game-winning goal with just over a minute left in overtime. His performance marked his 300th NHL goal and second consecutive overtime winner, making him the first player in Flames history to achieve this feat. Calgary's win, their fourth straight from behind and part of a strategic playoff push, sees them inch closer to the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Rasmus Andersson and Adam Klapka also contributed to the scoring, while goaltender Dustin Wolf made 26 crucial saves. Conversely, the Kraken struggled despite goals from Jaden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle, and Tye Kartye and stellar goaltending from Joey Daccord, who made 33 saves. Seattle's loss was their first when leading after two periods this season, highlighting the Flames' relentless belief and late-game resilience as they continue their chase for a postseason berth.
Los Angeles Kings 3 - 1 New York Rangers
The Los Angeles Kings secured their fourth consecutive victory by defeating the New York Rangers 3-1 at Crypto.com Arena, boosting their impressive home point streak to 15 games. In this matchup, Kevin Fiala shone with two goals, while Phillip Danault contributed a power-play goal. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper was solid for the Kings, making 23 saves as they strengthened their grip on second place in the Pacific Division. J.T. Miller initially put the Rangers ahead with a reviewed goal, but Fiala's first goal tied the game, and Danault's late second-period goal provided the Kings with the lead. Notably, Anze Kopitar achieved a milestone by surpassing Henrik Sedin for the fourth-most assists in NHL history by a player born outside North America. The Rangers, despite Igor Shesterkin's 30 saves, struggled to close the gap for a wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.