NHL Monday: Oilers hold off Panthers in 4-2 win

Since starting the new year on a five-game losing streak, St. Louis has gone 4-1-0 in its last five. The run has brought the team within five points of the top spot in the Central, which is currently led by Chicago and Dallas. Granted, the Blues’ blip-on-a-radar run is no comparison to the Blackhawks’ 11 straight victories that have tied a franchise record.

But it’s hard to argue with the Hockey Gods when they’re gifting these magic bounces left and right.

The puck never stops moving from the moment it leaves Tierney’s stick at the blue line to Nieto’s backhander past a diving Anderson. It’s a once in a lifetime play and the Sharks were able to pull it off with brilliance.

Just another tool in Eichel’s arsenal to watch out for.

The team announced after its victory over visiting Florida that Nugent-Hopkins will be out for a considerable amount of time. The 22-year-old forward left Edmonton’s game after blocking a shot with his hand and did not return, signaling something more serious than just a bruise or a sprain.

As if things couldn’t get worse for the Oilers and their young core this season.