National Hockey

CHICAGO — The New York Islanders played like a desperate team looking to move up the standings in one of the NHL's most competitive divisions. Facing a similar situation, the Chicago Blackhawks turned in one of their worst games of the season.

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators are starting to see why they signed Nick Bonino as a free agent.

DETROIT — Elias Lindholm made the most of his chance to fill in for Sebastian Aho on Carolina's top line. Lindholm's second goal of the game broke a third-period tie and the Hurricanes went on to beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-1 Saturday night.

Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien's first taste of action against his former team didn't go well at all.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Tomas Hertl scored a tiebreaking, power-play goal early in the third period and Aaron Dell made 31 saves to lead the San Jose Sharks to a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night.

OTTAWA — Veteran Patrick Marleau didn't have to score to spark Toronto's comeback. Connor Carrick scored the winner as the Leafs erased a two-goal deficit in the third period to defeat the Ottawa Senators 4-3 on Saturday.

CALGARY — A potent display in the shootout and a critical coach's challenge by Paul Maurice helped Winnipeg pick up two big points on Saturday afternoon.

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche have gone from pushover to powerhouse in less than a season, and their recent streak is evoking memories of past glory.

PHILADELPHIA — The Flyers have found a groove as playoff chasers.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn caught one of his teammates reaching for an extra chicken wing in the locker room after Saturday's game. "Easy," Benn said. "We're only on game 48.