Larkin returns for Wings
Scores two goals in win vs. Islanders
Dylan Larkin had two goals after an eight-game absence, Andrew Copp also scored twice to break a 20-game drought and the host Detroit Red Wings beat the slumping New York Islanders 6-3 on Thursday night.
Larkin returned from a lower-body injury to score his team- high 27th and 28th goals to help Detroit avenge a 5-3 home loss to the Islanders on Feb. 29.
“He means everything to this team,” said forward Christian Fischer, who had a goal and two assists. “The season he’s had up until that injury was just remarkable. He’s a true No. 1 center, which is really hard to find. He drives the play. You see every guy competing a little bit harder, just having the presence of Larks back there.”
Patrick Kane also scored and Michael Rasmussen and Alex DeBrincat each added two assists. James Reimer made 33 saves in a matchup of teams battling for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Detroit has won three of four following a seven-game losing streak.
Other games
Rangers 5, Bruins 2: Artemi Panarin was credited with three goals — the second when Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk knocked the puck into the Boston net in the final minute of the second period — and visiting New York went on to beat Boston. The Rangers third victory over Boston in as many tries this season closed the Metropolitan Division leaders within one point of the defending Presidents’ Trophy winners for the best record in the NHL.
Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2 (OT):
Seth Jarvis scored 1:28 into overtime to keep host Carolina goalie Frederik Andersen unbeaten since returning to action in the Hurricanes’ victory over the Philadelphia. Jarvis posted his 26th goal to give Carolina its fifth consecutive victory. Anderson made 30 saves to improve to 5-0-0 following a long absence. Jordan Martinook and Jalen Chatfield scored in the second period for the Hurricanes.
Blues 5, Senators 2: Joel Hofer made 37 saves, Jake Neighbours scored twice and visiting St. Louis beat Ottawa for its fifth victory in six games as the Blues fight for the second and final Western Conference wild-card spot. The Blues moved a point ahead of Minnesota and within two points of Vegas, with the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights holding the final spot.
Devils 4, Jets 1: Jack Hughes scored two of the Devils’ three power-play goals, brother Luke Hughes had a career-best three assists and host New Jersey stunned redhot Winnipeg in one of its best performances in a disappointing season. Nico Hischier scored the go-ahead goal on the power play and added two assists.
Predators 3, Panthers 0: Filip Forsberg scored twice and visiting Nashville extended its point streak to a franchiserecord 16 games with a win over Florida. Nashville eclipsed its 15-game point streak (14-01) set from Feb. 17, 2018, to March 19, 2018.
Oilers 8, Sabres 3: Mattias Ekholm had two goals and two assists, and Zack Hyman added two goals as host Edmonton dominated in the third period to down Buffalo. JJ Peterka had two goals for the Sabres.