Read reports from Thursday’s NHL games.
Senators win 5-3 in New York
Claude Giroux broke the tie early in the third period, Derick Brassard scored twice against one of his former teams and the Ottawa Senators defeated the New York Rangers 5-3 on Thursday, spoiling Patrick’s debut Kane with his new formation.
Rangers led 3-2 going into the third period, thanks to a spectacular goal from Vladimir Tarasenko late in the second period. However, the Senators scored twice within a span of about two minutes en route to a fourth straight victory.
Brassard, who was competing in a 1000e game in the NHL, tied the game 3-3 at 1:35 with his 11e goal of the season. Giroux picked up an assist on that goal, then beat Jaroslav Halak at 3:26 to put the Senators ahead for good.
Shane Pinto and Tim Stützle, in an empty net, also hit the target for the Senators. Cam Talbot stopped 29 pitches.
Talbot frustrated Kane with a pad with five minutes left in the third period, saving the Senators victory.
Rangers lost for the second time in eight outings in front of their fans. They’ve had a 24-8-4 record since Dec. 5.
The Senators are on a roll and close to a playoff berth, having gone 11-3-1 since losing at home to the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 21.
Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba also scored for the Rangers.
Kreider scored a 256e goal in a Rangers uniform, joining Camille Henry for sixth in team history.
Kane was warmly welcomed by Rangers fans during the warm-up. He was reunited with his former Chicago Blackhawks teammate Artemi Panarin.
Vincent Trocheck was in the center of the two agile wingers. Kane fired four shots on goal, but was cleared from the scoresheet.
Allan Kreda, Associated Press
Matt Duchene and John Leonard secure victory for Predators
PHOTO SAM NAVARRO, USA TODAY SPORTS
The Predators have won four of their last five games.
Kevin Lankinen made 30 saves and the Nashville Predators hurt the Florida Panthers’ playoff chances by beating them 2-1 on Thursday.
Matt Duchene and John Leonard scored for the Predators, who also defeated the Panthers 7-3 at home on Feb. 18.
The Predators have won four of their last five games despite trading several quality players as the trade deadline approaches on Friday.
Brandon Montour was the lone scorer for the Panthers, who are trying to move up the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 20 shots.
The Predators scored twice in the first period. Duchene opened the scoring on the power play at 13:40, on a pass from rookie Luke Evangelista.
Leonard then widened the gap with 10.2 seconds left in the first period, taking advantage of a loose puck in front of the net.
Montour revived the Panthers by touching the target after 3: 21 of play in the second period.
The Panthers have lost three of their last five games — including two losses to the Predators.
George Richards, Associated Press
Bruins thrash Sabers 7-1
PHOTO WINSLOW TOWNSON, USA TODAY SPORTS
Connor Clifton (75) is one of the Bruins’ many scorers.
Jakub Lauko scored twice in the Boston Bruins’ 7-1 win over the Buffalo Sabers on Thursday.
Dmitry Orlov broke the 0-0 deadlock on the power play at 12:01 in the middle period. Lauko added his second goal of the season at 13:27, before completing his double in the third period.
22-year-old Czech Lauko was a Bruins third-round pick in 2018.
David Pastrnak, Pavel Zacha, Patrice Bergeron and Connor Clifton scored the other goals for the Bruins, who won their ninth straight game.
Jeremy Swayman made 26 saves, only being beaten by Casey Mittelstadt.
Brad Marchand left in the second period with a lower body injury.
The Bruins will play again Saturday at 1 p.m. at home against the New York Rangers.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen blocked 35 shots for the Sabers. The latter escaped a second game in a row, after a series of three victories.
The Canadian Press
Penguins beat Lightning 5-4
PHOTO MIKE CARLSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Penguins players celebrate their overtime victory.
Jason Zucker scored his second goal of the game after 2:13 of overtime and the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 on Thursday.
Zucker was unmarked in the slot and he moved the ropes with a one-timer.
Jeff Petry scored twice within 25 seconds, while Drew O’Connor also scored for the Penguins, who completed a three-game season series sweep against the Lightning. Tristan Jarry stopped 27 shots.
Ross Colton, Brayden Point, Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman replied for the Lightning, which lost a third straight game. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 27 saves.
John Kreiser, Associated Press