Chicago pushes forward with 4-player deal

CHICAGO >> The Chicago Blackhawks sought to give their surprising playoff push a boost by acquiring forward Brett Connolly and defenseman Riley Stillman from the Florida Panthers on Thursday in exchange for forward Lucas Wallmark and defenseman Lucas Carlsson.

The Blackhawks also got the rights to prospect Henrik Borgstrom and Florida’s seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL draft.

The move gives Florida, in first-place in the Central Division, added salary cap space ahead of Monday’s trade deadline.

BRUINS 4, CAPITALS 2 » Brad Marchand scored a shorthanded goal, Jeremy Swayman made 31 saves to win his second NHL start and Boston beat Washington.

PENGUINS 5, RANGERS 2 » Kris Letang and Evan Rodrigues scored in the second period, and Pittsburgh beat New York.

DEVILS 6, SABRES 3 » Jesper Boqvist scored the go-ahead goal with 11:15 remaining and New Jersey overcame the disappointment of having two key veteran forwards traded to beat Buffalo.

JETS 4, CANADIENS 2 » Connor Hellebuyck made 36 saves and Winnipeg beat Montreal to open a five-game trip.