Division arms races heat up at wire
Thank divisional play through the first two rounds of the playoffs for a little extra spice at the NHL trade deadline.
As much as hockey executives like to say they worry only about making their own team better, several of the big moves executed Monday turned out to be important responses to division rivals. The arms races heated up in the East, Central, West and North right down to the wire, and because of this season’s format, only one team will come out of each division to compete for the Stanley Cup.
After Pittsburgh, Boston and the New York Islanders made additions, Eastleading Washington made the biggest splash by getting big forward Anthony Mantha. Florida couldn’t let defending champion Tampa Bay run away with the Central, so the Panthers traded for Sam Bennett.
In the West, Colorado followed Vegas’ move for more depth up front by doing the same. And Edmonton, Winnipeg and Montreal filled holes after Toronto went all-in to win now.
Blackhawks 4, Blue Jackes 3: Brandon
Hagel scored 1:25 into overtime, and Chicago beat Columbus for its fifth consecutive win over the Blue Jackets.
Red Wings 3, Hurricanes 1: Adam Erne and Filip Zadina scored two quick third-period goals while Jonathan Bernier finished with 37 saves to help Detroit beat Carolina.
Canadiens 4, Maple Leafs 2: Tomas Tatar scored two goals — including an empty-netter — and Montreal ended Toronto’s six-game winning streak.
Senators 4, Jet s 2: Brady Tkachuk scored twice, Connor Brown extended his franchiserecord goal-scoring streak to eight games and Ottawa beat Winnipeg.