Voracek, Blue Jackets rip fading Ducks (AP)
The Columbus Blue Jackets have known for quite some time that they likely won’t return to the playoffs. The Anaheim Ducks are starting to realize a similar predicament. Jakub Voracek scored the first of Columbus’ three power-play goals and had two assists, leading the Blue Jackets to a 5-2 victory over the fading Ducks on Tuesday night.
Senators score 3 in 3rd, top Oilers 4-1 (AP)
The Ottawa Senators’ post-Olympic misery is over. Chris Kelly had a goal and an assist, and Matt Cullen, Milan Michalek and Mike Fisher also scored for the Senators, who snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. The Senators scored three times in the third period, matching their total during their post-Olympics skid.
Hansen, Samuelsson rally Canucks to win (AP)
Jannik Hansen put his body into his winning goal and was thankful for a couple of fortunate bounces. After all, the puck rattled around and glanced off him and the goalie before finally going into the net for the decisive score in the Vancouver Canucks’ 6-4 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night.
Panthers win, Wild limited to 11 shots (AP)
After one period, the Minnesota Wild appeared to be on the way to another easy win over the Florida Panthers. Then they turned in one of the worst offensive performances in franchise history. Cory Stillman scored the winning shootout goal and the Panthers held the Wild to a franchise-tying low 11 shots in a 3-2 win on Tuesday night.
Flyers beat Isles for 15th straight time (AP)
Simon Gagne fired a pass toward Mike Richards, but New York Islanders defensemen Mark Streit’s stick got in the way. The lucky deflection sent the puck past goalie Dwyane Roloson with 6:06 left to play, and completed a Philadelphia Flyers rally for a 3-2 win Tuesday night. Philadelphia beat the Islanders for the 15th straight time, the NHL’s longest current run by one team over another.
Kulemin helps Leafs defeat Bruins in OT (AP)
Luca Caputi had to share the spotlight during his big homecoming after Nikolai Kulemin stole the show with an overtime goal. Kulemin scored 4:11 into overtime to give the Toronto Maple Leafs a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night. While Kulemin was the star with the winning goal, it was also a big night for Caputi.
Canadiens coach Martin wins 550th game (AP)
The Montreal Canadiens got offense from throughout their lineup to improve their playoff prospects and deal a blow to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s postseason hopes. Scott Gomez had a goal and two assists, and Mathieu Darche scored twice to lead Montreal to a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay on Tuesday night. Jaroslav Halak made 28 saves for the Canadiens, who gave coach Jacques Martin his 550th career win…
Iginla, Bourque lift Flames by Red Wings (AP)
The Calgary Flames played as though they were hungrier than the Detroit Red Wings, who are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in years. Jarome Iginla and Rene Bourque scored 1:31 apart in the third to put Calgary ahead in a 4-2 win over Detroit on Tuesday night. “We got outshot 15-4 at home in the third period in a game that desperation on both sides should show,” Red…
NHL files suit against ex-Coyotes owner (AP)
The nearly yearlong legal battle between the National Hockey League and former Phoenix Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes isn’t over yet. The NHL filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Moyes and his family on Friday, alleging that the trucking magnate violated a number of league agreements when he put the franchise in bankruptcy last year and then attempted to sell it to Canadian businessman Jim…
GMs looking to deal with head injuries (AP)
NHL general managers are trying to find a way to deal with serious head injuries. “I think we all care about the safety of our players, first and foremost,” Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said Tuesday. “I think there’s been some hits this year that all of us feel uncomfortable with, so we’re trying to do what’s right, not only for the players but for…