* The Rangers improved to 17-5-1 this season against the Metropolitan Division, including points in 18 of their last 21 games versus divisional opponents (17-3-1).

* Nash (1-1—2) registered his 39th marker and eighth game-winning goal of the season, both second in the NHL to Alex Ovechkin (44 G / 10 GWG). He has 6-7—13 in his past 13 contests and leads the club with 39-23—62 overall.

* Talbot has earned at least one point in 13 of his last 14 appearances (10-1-3), including a 6-1-1 mark in his past eight outings (1.61 GAA, .946 SV%, 2 SO).

* ICYMI: Kevin Hayes tied the game in the second period with a strong individual effort. His 13 goals this season rank sixth among rookies.

JOHNSON, BISHOP LIFT LIGHTNING PAST CANADIENS
Tyler Johnson broke a scoreless deadlock at 1:03 of overtime and Ben Bishop denied all 19 shots he faced to power the Lightning to their fourth straight victory overall and their fifth consecutive regular-season win over the Canadiens dating to Feb. 1, 2014.

* At 42-20-6 (90 points), the Lightning moved within one point of the Canadiens (42-18-7, 91 points) for first place in the Atlantic Division, Eastern Conference and NHL standings. Tampa Bay also owns the ROW tiebreaker (TBL: 40, MTL: 36), but Montreal holds one game in hand. The Lightning are 3-0-0 in the season series (MTL: 0-2-1); the teams face off two more times, March 16 at TBL and March 20 at MTL.

* Johnson scored his first career overtime goal to extend his point streak to seven games (3-6—9), equaling a career high established Oct. 14-28 (0-11—11). He also recorded his 25th marker and fifth game-winning goal of the season, setting career highs in both categories.

* Per Elias, Johnson became the third player in NHL history to score an overtime goal in a 1-0 win over the Canadiens during the regular season. The others to achieve that feat: Boston’s Leroy Goldsworthy (Feb. 13, 1938) and Washington’s Michal Pivonka (March 27, 1996).

* Bishop earned his 11th career shutout, third of the season and second in his past four appearances (also Feb. 27 vs. CHI: 28 SV). He improved to 8-1-2 with a 1.37 goals-against average, .945 save percentage and one shutout in 12 career appearances vs. MTL.

RASK, SPOONER POWER BRUINS OVER SENATORS
Tuukka Rask made 39 saves and Ryan Spooner (2-0—2) recorded his first career multi-goal game to help the Bruins defeat the Senators and extend their point streak to six contests (5-0-1).

* At 34-22-10 (78 points), the Bruins moved six points ahead of the idle Panthers (29-23-14, 72 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. They also moved seven points clear of the rival Senators (30-24-11, 71 points) – Boston leads the season series 2-0-2 (OTT: 2-2-0); the teams face off for a fifth and final time on March 19 at OTT.

* Celebrating his 28th birthday, Rask stretched his personal point streak to four games (3-0-1). His 39 saves were four shy of his season high, set Jan. 29 at NYI (43 SV).

* Rask also improved to 7-2-2 with a 2.07 goals-against average, .932 save percentage and two shutouts in 13 career appearances vs. OTT.

* Spooner, an Ottawa native, extended his point streak to a career-high six games (3-4—7) – the longest by a Bruins rookie since Nov. 17-28, 2008 (Matt Hunwick: 3-5—8 in 6 GP).

* “I had a text actually from about four of my friends,” Spooner said after the game. “They said, ‘You guys cannot win tonight. You’ve got to let the Sens win, they need to catch you.’ I was like, ‘That’s not going to happen.’”

* Spooner became the third Bruins rookie to post a multi-goal game this season, following Seth Griffith (Oct. 28 vs. MIN: 2-1—3) and David Pastrnak (Jan. 10 at PHI: 2-0—2 and Jan. 13 vs. TBL: 2-0—2). Elias says the last time three Bruins rookies notched multi-goal games in the same season was in 1992-93, when four did so: Joe Juneau (4x), Steve Heinze (3x), Grigori Panteleev and C.J. Young.

* Loui Eriksson recorded his 26th career game-winning goal and fourth of the season. He has 5-3—8 in his last 10 outings, including 3-1—4 during a four-game point streak.

BLUES PREVAIL AFTER SURRENDERING THREE-GOAL LEAD
The Jets erased a three-goal deficit in the third period, but Barret Jackman scored the tiebreaking goal – from the neutral zone – with 1:03 remaining in regulation to lift the Blues to their fourth victory in their past six starts (4-1-1).

* At 42-19-5 (89 points), the Blues moved within two points of the idle Predators (42-19-7, 91 points) for first place in the Central Division and Western Conference. They also climbed within two points of the Canadiens (42-18-7, 91 points) – who lost in overtime – for the top spot in the NHL standings.

* The Blues recorded their seventh consecutive victory over the Jets dating to Oct. 29, 2013, including a 3-0-0 mark in 2014-15. The teams face off two more times this season, on March 19 at WPG and April 7 at STL.

* The Blues also extended their point streak against the Jets/Thrashers to 12 games dating to Nov. 8, 2009 (10-0-2). That includes a 5-0-0 record on home ice.

* Via Elias, the Blues won in regulation after surrendering a three-goal lead in the third period for the first time since Feb. 22, 1995 vs. SJS (GWG at 18:36).

* Jackman snapped a 36-game drought with his first goal since Dec. 11 vs. NYI. He also notched his fifth career game-winning goal and first since Jan. 20, 2014 at DET.

* Elias says Jackman became the first Blues defenseman to score a tiebreaking goal in the final two minutes of regulation since Oct. 19, 2005, when Eric Brewer did so at 19:03 of the third period in a 3-2 victory vs. ANA.

* Five Blues players registered multiple points: Jori Lehtera (1-1—2), Jaden Schwartz (1-1—2), Vladimir Tarasenko (1-1—2), David Backes (0-2—2) and Alex Pietrangelo (0-2—2).

* Tarasenko paces the Blues and ranks seventh in the NHL with 33-33—66, the second-most points by a Blues player over the past 10 seasons (Brad Boyes: 33-39—72 in 2008-09).

MINNESOTA STRENGTHENS GRIP ON FIRST WILD CARD SPOT . . .
Fourteen different players found the scoresheet to power the Wild to their sixth victory in their past seven outings overall as well as their fourth win in their last six meetings with the Devils dating to Jan. 4, 2011 (4-1-1).

* At 37-23-7 (81 points), the Wild moved three points ahead of the Jets (33-22-12, 78 points) – who lost in regulation – for the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. They also climbed within three points of the idle Blackhawks (39-21-6, 84 points) for third place in the Central Division.

* Per Elias, the Wild set a franchise record with 14 different players notching at least one point. The previous club mark of 13 was achieved seven times, including twice this season (Oct. 25 vs. TBL and Feb. 14 vs. CAR).

* Making his 200th NHL start, Devan Dubnyk posted 30 saves to improve to 19-4-1 in a Wild uniform (1.67 GAA, .937 SV%, 5 SO). He also started his 26th consecutive game (and 25th w/ MIN), the most by any goaltender since Jonas Hiller started 32 straight for the Ducks in 2011-12.

* Thomas Vanek (2-0—2) notched his 50th career multi-goal game and second of the season (also Feb. 14 vs. CAR: 2-1—3). He also scored on Sunday vs. COL, marking the first time he has registered goals in consecutive games since March 27-29, 2014 (w/ MTL).

* New acquisitions Chris Stewart (1-1—2) and Sean Bergenheim also hit the back of the net. Jared Spurgeon (1-1—2) and Zach Parise (0-2—2) both added multi-point games.

* The Wild improved to 8-1-0 in their last nine games versus Eastern Conference opponents, including five straight wins.

. . . LOS ANGELES GAINS GROUND IN PLAYOFF RACE
Brayden McNabb (1-2—3) set a career high for points in one game to help the Kings extend their point streak to four contests (3-0-1) and improve to 6-0-1 in their last seven meetings with the Avalanche dating to Feb. 23, 2013.

* At 32-21-13 (77 points), the Kings tied the idle Flames (36-25-5, 77 points) – in terms of points – for third place in the Pacific Division. Calgary, however, owns the ROW tiebreaker (CGY: 32, LAK: 30). The Kings also moved within one point of the Jets (33-22-12, 78 points) – who lost in regulation – for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.

* McNabb scored his third career goal and second in his past six games (also Feb. 27 at ANA). It stood as his first career game-winning marker.

* Kyle Clifford (1-1—2) also matched a career high for points in one contest, achieved one other time this season (Nov. 22 at DAL: 0-2—2).

* Jeff Carter scored his team-leading 23rd goal of the season, his fifth in his past five outings. Marian Gaborik reached the 20-goal milestone for the ninth time in his career and first time since 2011-12 (w/ NYR).

* Jake Muzzin supplied the other goal, while Justin Williams added two assists. Jonathan Quick made 21 saves to improve to 11-4-1 with a 2.41 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and two shutouts in 17 career appearances vs. COL.

AROUND THE RINKS
More highlights from Tuesday’s eight-game slate:

* Vernon Fiddler scored the tiebreaking goal with 6:10 remaining in regulation to lead the Stars to their third victory in their past four outings. At 30-27-10 (70 points), Dallas moved within eight points of Winnipeg (33-22-12, 78 points) – who lost in regulation – for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Fiddler recorded his fourth goal in his past four games and his 11th of the season, equaling a career high achieved in three straight campaigns from 2006-07 through 2008-09 (w/ NSH). He also notched his 13th career game-winning goal and first since Jan. 21, 2014 vs. MIN. Kari Lehtonen made 25 saves, stopping all 12 shots he faced over the final two periods to pick up his first career win vs. PHI (1-10-3 in 14 GP). The Stars registered their first victory in Philadelphia since Dec. 1, 2007, halting a four-game skid.

* Scott Hartnell scored in both the second and third periods and Ryan Johansen potted the lone goal in the shootout to help the Blue Jackets rally from a 3-1 deficit and pick up their second win in their past three starts. Hartnell recorded his fifth multi-goal game of the season and second in his past four appearances (also March 3 vs. WSH: 2-1—3). Sergei Bobrovsky made 29 saves through overtime and denied all three attempts he faced in the shootout to improve to 18-16-2 (2.84 GAA, .912 SV%, 1 SO). The Blue Jackets overcame a multi-goal deficit to win for the third time this season (also Oct. 23 at SJS and Feb. 13 vs. PHI). They also improved to 5-1-1 in their last seven visits to Carolina dating to Feb. 14, 2009.

LOOSE PUCKS
Despite suffering the overtime loss, the Canadiens (42-18-7, 91 points) earned one point to take over first place in the NHL standings . . . Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk (1-2—3) matched his career high for points in one game, achieved two other times this season (also Nov. 10 vs. CGY: 1-2—3 and Feb. 7 at SJS: 0-3—3) . . . Faulk became the first Hurricanes/Whalers defenseman to record three points in the first period of one game since March 21, 1990 vs. QUE (Brad Shaw: 0-3—3) . . . Jets forward Michael Frolik (1-0—1) stretched his point streak to a career-high seven games (5-2—7). He also scored for the third straight game (3-0—3), the first time he has achieved that feat since Nov. 5-10, 2010 (3-3—6 in 3 GP w/ FLA) . . . Teammates Andrew Ladd (1-1—2) and Blake Wheeler (1-1—2) both added two points . . . Flyers forward Jakub Voracek posted his 47th assist of the season, second in the NHL to Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom (51) . . . Canadiens goaltender Carey Price stopped 35-of-36 shots . . . Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie recorded his 11th goal of the season (65 GP), two shy of his career high established in 2013-14 (64 GP). He has 4-8—12 in his last nine outings . . . Islanders forward Anders Lee scored his 23rd goal of the season, second among rookies behind Senators forward Mike Hoffman (24). Lee also extended his point streak to a career-high six games (3-3—6) . . . Devils forward Dainius Zubrus snapped a 49-game drought with his first goal since Oct. 28 at PIT . . . Senators forward Matt Puempel scored his first NHL goal/point (7 GP) . . . Blue Jackets forward Brandon Dubinsky and Bruins forward Milan Lucic both recorded their 200th NHL assist . . . Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh, Jets defenseman Adam Pardy and Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry all played in their 300th NHL game.

SNEAK PEEK AT WEDNESDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
Buffalo @ Toronto, 7:00 p.m., SN, MSG-B
NY Rangers @ Washington, 8:00 p.m., NBCSN, SN1, TVA
Anaheim @ Calgary, 9:30 p.m., FS-W, SNW

ONE MONTH REMAINS . . .
Today marks the one-month countdown to the end of regular season, which concludes on Saturday, April 11, with all 30 clubs in action.

A look at where teams and players stand entering the final 231 games of the 2014-15 campaign:

DOWN TO THE WIRE

* Twenty-three teams are within 10 points of a playoff spot. Four points separate the top three clubs in the Metropolitan Division, six points separate the top three teams in the Atlantic Division and seven points separate the top three squads in the Central Division. The second- and fifth-place clubs in the Pacific Division also are separated by just six points.

* The NHL’s top seven teams are separated by just two points in the race for the Presidents’ Trophy. Three teams (the Canadiens, Predators and Ducks) have 91 points, two clubs (the Lightning and Islanders) have 90 points and two other teams (the Rangers and Blues) have 89 points.

STRONG TURNAROUNDS

* Six teams that did not qualify for the postseason in 2014 – CGY, NSH, NYI, VAN, WSH and WPG – currently hold playoff positions. There has been a playoff turnover of at least five clubs in seven of the past nine seasons.

* Four clubs already have passed or tied their point totals from last season: the Predators (91 in 2014-15, 88 in 2013-14); Islanders (90 in 2014-15, 79 in 2013-14); Flames (77 in 2014-15, 77 in 2013-14); and Panthers (72 in 2014-15, 66 in 2013-14).

SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE

The Red Wings are seeking to build on the longest active streak in North American professional sports with their 24th consecutive playoff berth. The team has not missed the postseason since 1989-90.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Six sets of division rivals have three games remaining in their respective season series, with four of those matchups involving clubs separated by eight points or fewer: BOS-FLA, LAK-VAN, MIN-STL and NYR-WSH.

Blues-Wild: March 14 at STL, March 21 at MIN and April 11 at STL
Bruins-Panthers: March 21 at FLA, March 31 at BOS and April 9 at FLA
Canadiens-Panthers: March 17 at FLA, March 28 at MTL and April 5 at FLA
Canucks-Kings: March 12 at VAN, March 21 at LAK and April 6 at VAN
Capitals-Rangers: March 11 at WSH, March 29 at NYR and April 11 at WSH
Maple Leafs-Senators: March 21 at OTT, March 28 at TOR and April 5 at TOR

PLAYOFF PREVIEWS?

Based on the current standings, two opening-round playoff opponents will meet two more times during the regular season: the Blues-Blackhawks (April 5 at CHI and April 9 at STL) and the Lightning-Red Wings (March 20 at TBL and March 28 at DET).

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE

The most difficult remaining schedule – defined as the best cumulative points percentage of future opponents – belongs to the Wild, whose opponents in their final 15 games have combined for a .630 points percentage.

HOME SWEET HOME

The Canucks have the highest percentage of home games remaining; 10 of their final 16 games will be played at Rogers Arena.

TOUGH ROAD AHEAD

The Sharks have the most road-intensive final month of the season; 10 of their last 15 games will be played away from SAP Center.

CROWDED AT THE TOP

The top eight scorers in the NHL are separated by seven points – and five homelands (Russia: 3, Canada: 2, Czech Republic: 1, Sweden: 1, USA: 1):

1. John Tavares (NYI, 33-39—72)
Seeking to become the second player in Islanders history to win the Art Ross Trophy (Bryan Trottier: 1978-79) – and the sixth different player in the past six seasons to lead the League in points

2. Alex Ovechkin (WSH, 44-25—69)
Seeking his second career Art Ross Trophy (2007-08)

3. Nicklas Backstrom (WSH, 18-51—69)
Seeking to become the second player in Capitals history to win the Art Ross Trophy (Ovechkin: 2007-08)

4. Evgeni Malkin (PIT, 28-39—67)
Seeking his third career Art Ross Trophy (2008-09, 2011-12)

5. Sidney Crosby (PIT, 22-45—67)
Seeking his third career and second consecutive Art Ross Trophy (2006-07, 2013-14)

6. Jakub Voracek (PHI, 20-47—67)
Seeking to become the first player in Flyers history to win the Art Ross Trophy

7. Vladimir Tarasenko (STL, 33-33—66)
Seeking to become the first player in Blues history to win the Art Ross Trophy

8. Tyler Johnson (TBL, 25-40—65)
Seeking to become the first U.S.-born player and second player in Lightning history to win the Art Ross Trophy (Martin St. Louis: 2003-04, 2012-13)

TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

* Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (44) is seeking his fifth career and third consecutive Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13, 2013-14) – he holds a five-goal lead over Rangers forward Rick Nash (39). Ovechkin also is aiming for his sixth overall and second straight 50-goal season.

* Kris Letang of the Penguins leads all defenseman in assists (41) and points (51) – he shared first among defensemen with 5-33—38 in 2012-13 (35 GP). Six defensemen are within five points of Letang this season: Erik Karlsson (OTT, 16-34—50); Brent Burns (SJS, 16-33—49); P.K. Subban (MTL, 12-37—49); Mark Giordano (CGY, 11-37—48); Roman Josi (NSH, 11-36—47); and John Carlson (WSH, 10-36—46).

* Predators forward Filip Forsberg (21-32—53) paces all rookies in scoring. He is followed by Johnny Gaudreau (CGY, 16-32—48); Mark Stone (OTT, 16-27—43); Mike Hoffman (OTT, 24-18—42); Anders Lee (NYI, 23-15—38); John Klingberg (DAL, 10-26—36); and Aaron Ekblad (FLA, 11-23—34).

* Canadiens goaltender Carey Price leads the NHL in wins (37), goals-against average (1.87) and save percentage (.937). Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne ranks second to Price in wins (36) and goals-against average (2.11), while his .927 save percentage is third behind Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk (.928).

* Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury paces the NHL with a career-high and franchise-record nine shutouts, followed by Price and Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby – with seven apiece.

* Price also leads all goaltenders in the race for the William M. Jennings Trophy^ – the Canadiens have allowed a League-low 147 goals. They are followed by the Blackhawks (154), Rangers (156), Penguins (162) and Capitals (165).

^ The William M. Jennings Trophy is awarded to the goaltender(s) who played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals against.

PRESIDENTS’ TROPHY RACE

The top seven teams in the NHL standings are separated by just two points:

1. Canadiens (42-18-7, 91 points)
Seeking first Presidents’ Trophy (and No. 1 seed for first time since 1977-78^)

2. Predators (42-19-7, 91 points)
Seeking first Presidents’ Trophy

3. Ducks (42-19-7, 91 points)
Seeking first Presidents’ Trophy

4. Lightning (42-20-6, 90 points)
Seeking first Presidents’ Trophy

5. Islanders (43-22-4, 90 points)
Seeking first Presidents’ Trophy (and No. 1 seed for first time since 1981-82^)

6. Rangers (41-17-7, 89 points)
Seeking third Presidents’ Trophy and first since 1993-94

7. Blues (42-19-5, 89 points)
Seeking second Presidents’ Trophy and first since 1999-00

^ The Presidents’ Trophy was first awarded during the 1985-86 season.

Thanks to the NHL PR department for the information above.