Nashville Predators 7-2 St. Louis Blues
The Nashville Predators impressed in their clash with the St. Louis Blues, scoring seven times in their 7-2 success. Veteran star Steven Stamkos got the hosts on the board 8:22 into the game, before doubling his tally on the night three minutes later.
That was the score going into the first intermission. The Blues settled down a bit to start the second, and were rewarded four minutes and change in, when Hugh McGing halved the deficit.
That was the best it got on the night for the guests, who then conceded thrice in the space of three minutes and 28 seconds. Ryan O'Reilly was first for the Preds, before Filip Forsberg got in on the goals.
Stamkos then completed his hat-trick with 7:54 left in the frame. He was not done there though, as after Robert Thomas netted a consolation for the Blues, the 35-year-old scored his fourth of the night to all but seal the deal.
St. Louis changed goaltenders after the second period, but still conceded once more to Michael Bunting on a power play. That rounded out the second in what was an efficient night from the hosts.
It was the second win for Nashville in their last three days, though they still sit near the bottom of the Western Conference.
Washington Capitals 2-3 Carolina Hurricanes (SO)
In the US capital, the Washington Capitals failed to hold onto their lead twice against the Carolina Hurricanes ultimately being beat by them in a shootout.
After a scoreless opening 20 minutes, the Caps found the breakthrough five minutes in. Connor McMichael converted his chance to give the home fans something to cheer about.
The Hurricanes responded later on in the frame, with Nikolaj Ehlers tying things up as he benefitted from a loose puck just a few feet away from goal.
It would stay that way until midway through the third, where Nic Dowd gave Washington the lead back. However, Carolina would not give in. With 2:15 left in regulation, Logan Stankhoven restored parity.
Overtime resolved nothing between these two, meaning a shootout was required. The Hurricanes' first shooter, Seth Jarvis, was the only one to convert his penalty attempt. Brandon Bussi kept out all three of the Caps' players to give his team the 3-2 win.
The Canes' goaltender won for the 10th time in his NHL career, becoming the quickest goalie to reach that mark. The 27-year-old, playing his first season in the league, managed the feat in 11 contests.
Carolina took over first place from the Capitals with that win, which was their third from their last four.
Other results
Colmbus Blue Jackets 3-6 Ottawa Senators
New Jersey Devils 4-8 Tampa Bay Lightning
New York Islanders 5-2 Anaheim Ducks
Philadelphia Flyers 2-3 Vegas Golden Knights (OT)
Pittsburgh Penguins 2-4 Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs 2-3 San Jose Sharks (OT)
Minnesota Wild 5-2 Dallas Stars
Winnipeg Jets 3-6 Boston Bruins
Edmonton Oilers 4-1 Detroit Red Wings
Colorado Avalanche 6-2 Florida Panthers
Vancouver Canucks 2-3 Buffalo Sabres