NHL Scores: Rangers battle for playoff spot, Blues’ big night

The race for the playoffs and tradable assets is on.

Apr 2, 2013, 11:00 AM UTC

Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

The race is on. Two days remain until the NHL trade deadline, and the pace of the action on and off the ice is picking up steam.

In the East, two New York teams jostled with the final playoff spot while the Canadiens further separated themselves from the pack. In the West, the race for the playoffs became a bit clearer and the Blues and Kings made two big trades to bolster their bluelines.

Read on to find out more.

All The NHL Scores

Get caught up on Monday's NHL scores with recaps from our network of SB Nation team blogs. Here's a quick glance at the full night of action:

Islanders 3, Devils 1

Rangers 4, Jets 2

Canadiens 4, Hurricanes 1

Red Wings 3, Avalanche 2

Blues 4, Wild 1

Blackhawks 3, Predators 2 (SO)

Ducks 4, Stars 0

Oilers 4, Flames 1

Sharks 3, Canucks 2

Five Answers

Prior to last night's games, we presented five burning questions regarding the night's action. Here are your cool, soothing answers.

1. Who will be in control of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference on Monday night?

The Hurricanes were the team that lost ground on Monday, falling to 10th after a 4-1 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens. Both of the New York teams won and finished the evening with 37 points apiece, but the Rangers currently sit in eighth.

2. How will the Detroit Red Wings respond to their crushing defeat at the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks?

By beating the hapless Colorado Avalanche, of course. The Red Wings' win was enough of a relief that the commenters at Winging It In Motown went a little crazy.

3. Will the Blackhawks be able to follow up their effort or did they use up all their goals on Sunday?

They only scored three (a phrase that only applies to the Blackhawks this season) but they had plenty more in the tank for Pekka Rinne. The Preds netminder faced 40 shots and somehow got the Predators through the onslaught to a shootout, where Chicago eventually won it. Corey Crawford looked shaky at times on Monday. Is that something the Blackhawks should be worried about as the playoffs approach?

4. How will Jordan Leopold perform in his debut with the St. Louis Blues?

I’ll throw it to St. Louis Game Time for their analysis:

The Blues' defense was much tighter than usual, especially on the penalty kill. St. Louis killed off five penalties, four of which came in the second period. They looked much more focused out there on the ice, much more centered, and much calmer.

Jordan Leopold was a +1 in his first game back and only wound up with 16:43 on the ice, which must've been a nice break from carrying the Sabres' defense. He and Kevin Shattenkirk seemed fairly comfortable with each other despite not playing together before, and only having one practice to feel each other out. Shatty seemed so comfortable he even potted a goal, his third of the season.

5. Will the Edmonton Oilers extend their winning streak to four games?

The Oilers are fond of the two-goals-on-two-shots thing these days. They did it again last night, striking early and often to bury the Flames in a 4-1 loss. The Flames are creeping closer and closer to ~~Seth Jones~~ the first overall pick.

Impact Moment

What moment from last night's games will be making headlines in the coming days?

The Blues acquired Jay Bouwmeester from the Flames for a couple of prospects and a pick. The trade is exactly what the Blues wanted, but the Flames' return seems lacking.

Stat of the Night

Maybe the Leafs should reconsider trading for Miikka Kiprusoff.

On what is opening day in baseball for most teams, Kiprusoff batting .500: 3 saves, 3 goals allowed in first vs. Oilers #Leafs
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) April 1, 2013