Monday in the NHL | Avalanche shut out Blackhawks 5-0

Nathan MacKinnon extended his streak to 30 games with at least one point at home with a double and two assists, and the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-0 on Monday.

MacKinnon’s series is the second best in the history of the Bettman circuit to start a season after that of Wayne Gretzky (40), in 1988-89.

Justus Annunen recorded his second career shutout by stopping 37 pucks. He achieved his first shutout against his same Blackhawks on February 29.

Jonathan Drouin, Cale Makar and Zach Parise were the other scorers for the Avalanche, who are 24-6-0 at home this season, the best in the National Hockey League.

It was the 22^e straight loss for the Blackhawks on the road (0-21-1). Their last victory on opposing ice dates back to November 9, against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Petr Mrazek stopped 32 pucks.

Pat Graham, Associated Press

Zacha scores a double in a Bruins victory against the Maple Leafs

Pavel Zacha ended an 11-game scoring drought with a double and the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 on Monday.

Jake DeBrusk, with a goal and an assist, and Morgan Geekie also scored for the Bruins. David Pastrnak collected three assists.

Jeremy Swayman made 32 saves. The Massachusetts team thus increased its lead to eight points ahead of the Maple Leafs in the Atlantic section. She showed a record of 3-3-5 – including only one victory in regulation time – in her last 11 meetings before this duel.

John Tavares responded for the Maple Leafs, in a preview of a potential first-round playoff matchup. Joseph Woll stopped 24 pucks.

Auston Matthews came very close to scoring his 53^e goal of the season on a power play late in the first period, but defenseman Brandon Carlo cleared the puck while it was on the goal line.

The two teams will cross swords again on Thursday in Boston.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press

Panthers beat Rangers to maintain first place in standings

Ryan Lomberg broke a tie early in the third period and the Florida Panthers defeated the New York Rangers 4-2 on Monday to remain in first place in the National Hockey League standings.

Sam Reinhart scored a double in the victory. His 44 goals place him second among league scorers behind Auston Matthews (53) of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Anton Lundell also hit the target in an empty cage. Aleksander Barkov and Gustav Forsling each added two assists to their respective records in this fifth victory in a row for the Panthers.

Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves to bring his personal record to 31-11-2 this season. He suffered only six losses in regulation time in 22 games on opposing ice.

Since December 3, the Panthers are 24-4-2. Their 21 road victories are a record on the Bettman circuit.

Will Cuylle and Chris Kreider responded for the Rangers, who dominate the Metropolitan section. Igor Shesterkin posted a 25 save performance.

Allan Kreda, Associated Press

Blues beat Flyers in shootout

Pavel Buchnevich and Jake Neighbors scored in a shootout and the St. Louis Blues defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 on Monday.

Buchnevich scored the decisive goal with a backhand shot after a feint. He was the Blues’ fourth shooter. Neighbors had previously scored between Sam Ersson’s pads in the shootout, but Morgan Frost tied the game moments later.

Kevin Hayes scored a goal against his former team in regulation time. Jordan Binnington stopped 40 pucks for the Blues, who won their second straight game.

Scott Laughton threaded the needle in regulation for the Flyers, who are third in the Metropolitan Division. Ersson blocked 24 shots.

The Blues dominated the majority of the overtime three-on-three, but the Flyers had the better chances to score. Cam York notably reached the crossbar. Binnington also made a spectacular blocker stop in the final moments at the expense of Travis Sanheim.

Aaron Bracy, Associated Press