Nashville Predators 3-2 Chicago Blackhawks (OT)
The Nashville Predators had a hat-trick hero on their side as they topped the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime. After a scoreless opening period, the guests took the lead two minutes into the second. Alex Vlasic converted his chance to give his side the lead.
That advantage lasted for only 40 seconds though, as Steven Stamkos tied things up for the Predators on a power play. The winger would not stop there, as 10 minutes later he gave his side their first lead of the contest. Chicago, now behind, went searching for their leveller. They would have to wait until midway during the third period before Ilya Mikheyev nodded things up at two. Unfortuntely for the Blackhawks, Nashville scored their winner in overtime. Stamkos completed his hat-trick, giving the Predators the win.
The victory gave Nashville a bit more distance between themselves and the Blackhawks at the bottom of the Eastern Conference Standings. The former moved onto 55 points, six clear of their opponents.
Ottawa Senators 4-3 New York Rangers (OT)
Despite having a two-goal lead twice, the New York Rangers could not get the better of the Ottawa Senators, losing 4-3 in the Canadian capital. Carson Soucy got the only goal of the opening frame, 8:37 in. Mika Zibanejad doubled the visitors' lead nearly four minutes into the second period. A mere 11 seconds later, however, Brady Tkachuk returned the Ottawa deficit to one.
Seven minutes into the third period, Artemi Panarin gave the Rangers another two-goal cushion. But, the Rangers would come roaring back. First, Ridly Greig found the net shortly after the midpoint of the frame. Then, with less than three minutes left, Mike Amadio tied things up. It was an impressive comeback from Ottawa, who found their winner 33 seconds into overtime. Tkachuk got his second and decisive goal to cap the scoring.
The victory was all the more significant in the standings, as the Sens jumped back into the playoff spots. They leapfrogged the Rangers, who are now sitting outside of the postseason places. Of course, there is still time left, so nothing is settled.