Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 Tampa Bay Lightning
An incredible game at the Lenovo Center went the Carolina Hurricanes' way as they topped the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 in a back-and-forth shootout of a match.
The Canes took a 3-0 lead in the first, seemingly set to run away with the contest. However, the Bolts responded, hitting back twice before the first intermission, before tying things up two minutes into the second.
It was a game befitting of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Seth Jarvis put the hosts back in front 7:21 into the second, only for them to be pegged back once again through a Brayden Point power play later on in the frame.
Still, it was Carolina's night, as Sebastian Aho gave them their third lead of the night 7:17 into the third. This time, Tampa did not have a response.
The two teams are now level at the top of the Eastern Conference with 80 points. Tampa, however, have played one game less, which gives them the upper edge for now. The Hurricanes have rattled off four wins in a row.
Montreal Canadiens 3-4 New York Islanders (OT)
The New York Islanders battled back from being behind on two separate occasions, ultimately getting past the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in overtime.
Noah Dobson got the Habs' opening two goals, finding the back of the net in the middle of both the first and second periods. By the time the teams went into the locker rooms for the second intermission, the score was tied. Matthew Schaefer responded for the Islanders with a quick-fire double to make it 2-2.
The lead was restored for Montreal near the midpoint of the third thanks to a Cole Caufield power play. Once more, the lead would not last though, as with less than two minutes left, Anders Lee managed to find the back of the net to restore parity.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau was the hero for the guests. A minute and 46 seconds into the overtime period, the former Senators forward found the back of the net to end the contest.
It was a second loss in their last three for Montreal, who drop to fourth in the East. Meanwhile, the Islanders increased their lead over the Washington Capitals for the final playoff spot thanks to their third success on the bounce.
Other results
Boston Bruins 4-2 Columbus Blue Jackets
Florida Panthers 5-1 Toronto Maple Leafs
Ottawa Senators 1-2 Detroit Red Wings (OT)
Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1 New Jersey Devils
Nashville Predators 4-2 Chicago Blackhawks
New York Rangers 2-3 Philadelphia Flyers (OT)
St. Louis Blues 5-1 Seattle Kraken
Colorado Avalanche 5-2 Minnesota Wild
San Jose Sharks 1-4 Calgary Flames