TOEWS, GAUDREAU SHINE IN CRUCIAL WINS FOR BLACKHAWKS, FLAMES
The Blackhawks (37-18-5, 79 points) and Flames (30-26-4, 64 points) each earned victories in crucial matchups on the strength of standout performances by marquee players:

* Jonathan Toews (3-2—5) matched career highs for goals and points in a game to help the Blackhawks defeat the Wild (39-14-6, 84 points) and move within five points of Minnesota for the top spot in the Central Division and Western Conference. Toews registered his fourth career regular-season hat trick – and first since Oct. 29, 2013 vs. OTT (3-1—4) – and became the first Blackhawks player to post five points in a game since he achieved the feat on Nov. 25, 2011 at ANA (2-3—5).

* Elias notes that Chicago picked up its seventh consecutive road win to match the longest single-season road win streak in franchise history originally set Dec. 9-29, 1964.

* Johnny Gaudreau (0-4—4) established a career high with four assists – and posted his second career four-point game (also Dec. 4, 2015 vs. BOS: 3-1—4) – to help the Flames gain ground on the Predators (28-22-9, 65 points) in the Western Conference Wild Card race. Calgary holds a two-point lead over the Kings (29-26-4, 62 points) and Jets (28-29-6, 62 points), the two closest teams outside the playoff picture.

* The Flames built a 4-1 lead before Nashville pulled ahead on the strength of a second-period hat trick by Filip Forsberg (3-0—3) – his third career three-goal game in the regular season.

BATTLE FOR THE ATLANTIC INTENSIFIES
The Canadiens (32-20-8, 72 points) and Senators (32-20-6, 70 points) each earned wins to keep pace in the race for first place in the Atlantic Division:

* Carey Price made 28 saves through overtime – including a sprawling stop late in the extra frame – to guide the Canadiens to victory, their first since naming Claude Julien as head coach on Feb. 14. Price earned his 258th career win (all w/ MTL; 492 GP) to tie Ken Dryden (397 GP) for third place in franchise history, behind Jacques Plante (314 W in 556 GP) and Patrick Roy (289 W in 551 GP).

* Kyle Turris and Erik Karlsson each scored for the Senators – who were without three regular forwards, including two of their top four point-getters – to help Ottawa win for the fifth time in its past seven outings. Karlsson (537 GP) tallied his 21st career game-winning goal (third this season) to tie WadeRedden (838 GP) for the most all-time among Senators defensemen.

LOOSE PUCKS
Sidney Crosby scored his League-leading 33rd goal (fifth GWG) to help the Penguins win their final game before facing the Flyers in the 2017 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series . . . Nikita Kucherov (1-3—4) helped the Lighting extend their point streak to seven games (5-0-2) . . . The Islanders (28-21-10, 66 points) and Kings (29-26-4, 62 points) earned wins to inch closer to Wild Card spots . . . As part of their centennial anniversary, the Maple Leafs will pay tribute to one of the earliest eras of their history by wearing Toronto St. Pats uniforms for their game against the Blackhawks on March 18 . . . Penguins forwards ConorSheary and Bryan Rust, and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats will visit Heinz Field in Pittsburgh today as the rink build nears completion ahead of Saturday’s outdoor game . . . The Blue Jackets organization marked Hockey Week Across America with a sled hockey game at their outdoor facility . . . The Red Wings hosted more than 50 youth and adult players at their morning skate as part of Hockey Is For Everyone month . . . Alex Delvecchio, one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players, dropped the ceremonial puck ahead of the Islanders-Red Wings game at Joe Louis Arena.

SNEAK PEEK AT WEDNESDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
Edmonton @ Florida, 7:30 p.m., SN, FS-F
Washington @ Philadelphia, 8 p.m., TVAS, NBCSN
Boston @ Anaheim, 10:30 p.m., SN, SN1, PRIME, NESN
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PLAYOFF PUSH TAKES CENTER STAGE ON NATIONAL BROADCASTS
All three games on tonight’s schedule feature teams in the hunt for playoff spots and will be broadcast nationally in either the U.S. or Canada:

* In the U.S., NBCSN’s Wednesday Night Rivalry features the League-leading Capitals (39-12-7, 85 points) and the Flyers (28-24-7, 63 points), who sit three points back of the Panthers (28-20-10, 66 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Washington is coming off back-to-back losses on the weekend, while Philadelphia will contest their final game before skating in the 2017 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series on Saturday in Pittsburgh.

* In Canada, Sportsnet opens a doubleheader when the Oilers (32-19-8, 72 points) visit the surging Panthers (28-20-10, 66 points), who return to Florida after sweeping a five-game road trip for the first time in franchise history. The night closes with the Bruins (30-23-6, 66 points) seeking out a fifth consecutive victory under head coach Bruce Cassidy when they take on the Ducks (31-20-10, 72 points) in Anaheim. Edmonton and Anaheim are tied – in terms of points – for second place in the Central Division, while Florida and Boston are part of a three-way tie – in terms of points – for the second Eastern Conference Wild Card spot.

Thanks to the NHL PR department for the above information.