from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

For teams looking to solidify playoff spots or positioning at this stage of the season, it's often about simply taking care of business. That's why the Washington Capitals' 4-3 shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres was key, as was the Los Angeles Kings' 1-0 win over the Arizona Coyotes.

Sure, the outcomes weren't surprising, but the Sabres and the Coyotes, the NHL's two worst teams in the standings, put up valiant efforts before taking a knee.

The Caps' win put them two back of the Pittsburgh Penguins and just four back of the New York Islanders in the ever-shifting sands of the Metropolitan Division, while the Kings moved back into the playoff bracket, nudging out the Winnipeg Jets by a point. That sets up a couple of juicy tilts Tuesday with Winnipeg entertaining Team Dysfunction -- er, the San Jose Sharks -- while the Calgary Flames play host to the red-hot St. Louis Blues, with both the Jets and Flames desperate to stay in contention in the Western Conference.

Whew.

continue for Custance on the Oilers, Joe McDonald on the Lightning, LeBrun on the Habs and Strang on the GM meetings...