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Kings hope to end slide against visiting Isles

The Los Angeles Kings will try to avoid their longest losing streak in over two months when they host the New York Islanders tonight at Staples Center.

Canucks cap homestand against Red Wings

The first-place Vancouver Canucks will try to close out a five-game homestand on a positive note when they welcome the Detroit Red Wings for tonight's battle at General Motors Place.

Coyotes host Blackhawks in West showdown

Having already set a record for the most wins in the franchise's history, the Phoenix Coyotes will face a big test tonight when they host the Chicago Blackhawks at Jobing.com Arena.

Streaking Preds welcome Columbus to Music City

The Nashville Predators will aim for a fifth consecutive victory tonight when they welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets for a Central Division clash at Bridgestone Arena.

Ovechkin set to return as Caps visit Bolts

Alex Ovechkin will return from suspension tonight when his Southeast Division champion Washington Capitals visit the Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Pete Times Forum.

Sabres shoot for road win in Florida

The Sabres are in a fight for the Northeast Division title, which would give them home-ice advantage in the playoff's opening round. However, they'll likely need to win on the road if they want to earn the division crown.

Thrashers try to maintain recent success against Flyers

Prior to 2009-10, a late-season matchup with the Flyers would have meant bad things for the Thrashers' playoff hopes. However, Atlanta is in position to record a third straight win over Philadelphia tonight and move to within one point of the Eastern Conference's final playoff position at Philips Arena.

Devils return home to face desperate Blues

While the Devils hope a return home can help vault them into the Atlantic Division's top spot, the Blues are banking that another second-half surge can get them into the postseason.

Surging Habs visit rival Maple Leafs

A postseason spot that once appeared to be in jeopardy is looking more and more likely for the scorching Montreal Canadiens, who'll be setting their sights on a seventh straight victory in tonight's clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Air Canada Centre.

Sens visit Stars for battle between struggling clubs

A poor recent stretch has caused the Ottawa Senators to lose ground in the Northeast Division race, while the Dallas Stars' chances of reaching the postseason have taken a serious hit due to the team's performance following the Olympic break.

First-place Pens host Hurricanes

The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to hold onto first place in the Atlantic Division when the reigning Stanley Cup champions return to Mellon Arena for a Saturday matinee against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Oilers cough up lead, but beat Detroit in shootout

Gilbert Brule netted the deciding goal in the shootout, as the Edmonton Oilers edged the Detroit Red Wings, 3-2, at Rexall Place.

Ducks overcome two-goal deficit, beat Isles in OT

Saku Koivu scored 14 seconds into overtime as the Anaheim Ducks rallied from a two-goal deficit to take a 5-4 win over the New York Islanders at Honda Center.

National Hockey League Game Capsules

Columbus captain Rick Nash shined in his return to the lineup, scoring twice in the third period, as the Blue Jackets netted four unanswered goals to upend the Minnesota Wild, 4-2, at Nationwide Arena. Nash, who had missed four games with a lower-body injury and the flu, tallied on a breakaway 27 seconds after defenseman Kris Russell tied the game at two. Kristian Huselius registered a goal and an assist for Columbus, which has won four of its last five games. Mathieu Garon stopped 18 shots in the win. Mikko Koivu and Chuck Kobasew lit the lamp for Minnesota, losers in six of its last nine games. The Wild are seven points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Wild goaltender Josh Harding, starting his sixth straight game in place of Niklas Backstrom, made 28 saves after being pulled in Thursday's 5-0 loss at Nashville. Backstrom continues battle a groin injury.

Flames get big win over struggling Sharks

Eric Nystrom's second-period goal proved to be the difference, as the Calgary Flames staved off a late San Jose rally to post a 4-3 win over the Sharks at Pengrowth Saddledome.

Sports - NHL