Red-hot Carolina jolts Columbus, stays in playoff chase

Noah Hanifin scored 2:16 into overtime Thursday night as the host Carolina Hurricanes rallied to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets, 2-1.

Jeff Skinner scored the tying goal with 4:20 left in regulation before setting up the winner for the surging Hurricanes. Carolina has established a club record by earning at least one point in 13 consecutive games while climbing from last place in the Eastern Conference to the fringe of the playoff race.

Cam Ward made 23 saves for the Hurricanes, who entered the game four points behind Boston with seven games remaining in the chase for the final postseason spot in the East. There were two teams — Tampa Bay and the New York Islanders — between them.

The Blue Jackets, who have wrapped up a spot in the playoffs, entered the night five points behind Washington for first place in the Metropolitan Division and the No. 1 seed in the East.

Other games

Flyers 6, Islanders 3: Wayne Simmonds posted his 30th goal of the season as host Philadelphia scored five times in a fight-filled first period on the way to a victory against New York.

Lightning 5, Red Wings 3: Alex Killorn and Jonathan Drouin scored power-play goals 1:51 apart late in the second period to lift host Tampa Bay to a victory against Detroit.

Bruins 2, Stars 0: Tuukka Rask made 27 saves for his seventh shutout this seaso as host Boston won its third game in a row to stay three points ahead of Tampa Bay for third place in the Atlantic Division.

Canadiens 6, Panthers 2: Paul Byron scored two goals to help host Montreal clinch a playoff berth.

Maple Leafs 3, Predators 1: Rookie Auston Matthews’ 36th goal helped visiting Toronto beat Nashville to remain in the thick of playoff race.

Wild 5, Senators 1: Nino Niederreiter’s two goals led host Minnesota to a win against Ottwa.

Jets 4, Ducks 3: Mark Scheifele’s 30th goal of the season 3:34 into overtime lifted host winnipeg to a win against Anaheim.