New York Rangers 5-4 Montreal Canadiens (OT)
At Madison Square Garden, an incredible Original Six clash went the way of the New York Rangers, who came from behind to top the Montreal Canadiens in overtime.
The first period in particular proved to be quite the watch, as the Habs raced to a 3-0 lead. Zachary Bolduc got the opener, before Arber Xhekaj and Jake Evans increased the visitors' lead. The trio of markers came in the space of 97 seconds, putting the guests in a very strong position early on.
But, back came the Rangers. In the final two minutes of the first period, they scored twice to make things interesting. Noah Laba converted on a power play to get the hosts on the board. Then, just 19 seconds after, Artemi Panarin got the deficit down to just one by converting a penalty.
Montreal restored a two-goal cushion early on in the second, as Josh Anderson made it 4-2. Yet, before the midway point of the frame, the score was tied. Once again, the Rangers scored moments apart. This time, it was Will Cuylle and J.T. Miller who got on the board, and out of nothing, it was 4-4.
New York outshot the Habs 53-35 in the game, and were full value for getting themselves back to level terms. After a scoreless third period overtime was needed to determine a victor.
At the midpoint of the extra period, Evans was sent to the penalty box for slashing. That proved to be crucial, as Miller netted the winner for the Rangers on the power play 27 seconds after having the extra man.
Both teams are now on 36 points, with the Rangers ending a three-game losing skid. However, the pair still have work to do, as they are sitting outside of the playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto Maple Leafs 3-6 Edmonton Oilers
The all-Canadian matchup ended in the Edmonton Oilers' favour as they doubled up on the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3. It took the guests three minutes and 25 seconds to go in front through their captain Connor McDavid as they were looking to win consecutive matches.
The Leafs actually went in front in the contest. Easton Cowan tied things up for the Buds in the latter stages of the opening frame, before Oliver Ekman-Larsson put them in front about five minutes into the second.
That was the best it got for the hosts, as things went downhill after that. McDavid tied things back up in the middle of the period, only for the Oilers to make it 3-2 just before the intermission through Darnell Nurse.
The game was well and truly put to bed in the final frame, as Vasili Podkolzin scored twice in the space of 34 seconds to make it 5-2. After Zach Hyman added a sixth for Edmonton with 10:32 to go, the Leafs made a goaltending change.
While they did not concede another after that, they only managed to score once more after that. Steve Lorentz netted a consolation in the final minute. That would not stop them from a 12th regulation time loss on the season.
Of the 16 teams not currently in a playoff place, none of them have scored more than Toronto with 102. Still, with 33 points from 31 games, the Buds need to turn things around to avoid missing out on the postseason.
Other results
Colorado Avalanche 4-2 Nasvhille Predators
Chicago Blackhawks 0-4 Detroit Red Wings
Dalls Stars 0-4 Florida Panthers
Columbus Blue Jackets 2-3 Vegas Golden Knights
Philadelphia Flyers 3-4 Carolina Hurricanes (SO)
Winnipeg Jets 5-1 Washington Capitals
New York Islanders 3-2 Tampa Bay Lightning (SO)
Pittsburgh Penguins 5-6 San Jose Sharks (OT)
Minnesota Wild 5-2 Ottawa Senators
New Jersey Devils 4-1 Anaheim Ducks
Los Angeles Kings - Calgary Flames