The Chicago Blackhawks came within one goal of facing the New York Rangers in last year's Stanley Cup Final. If the two teams meet to decide this season's NHL champion -- and right now, it certainly feels possible -- that series could be one for the ages.
NHL scores 2015: Blackhawks top Rangers, Ducks beat Kings in overtime
Two of the Western Conference’s best teams earned crucial victories on Wednesday.
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
New York and Chicago have now faced off twice in 2014-15 and have combined for just two goals. Despite the lack of offense, these games haven’t been boring; rather, they’ve been quality contests between a couple of the league’s elite.
The first battle went the Blueshirts’ way, as they earned a 1-0 win in overtime, and on Wednesday, it was the Blackhawks’ turn to emerge victorious.
Chicago exacted revenge on New York thanks to a little help from the referees and a goal from former Ranger Brad Richards. The 'Hawks are now two points behind the Predators for second place in the Central Division with a game in hand. The Rangers, who entered the night tied with the Canadiens for the most points in the East, were unable to gain separation.
Scores
Chicago Blackhawks 1, New York Rangers 0
Columbus Blue Jackets 4, Edmonton Oilers 3 (SO)
Anaheim Ducks 3, Los Angeles Kings 2 (OT)
3 things we learned
1. Backups can put on a show, too
As recent as last month, a goaltender matchup between Cam Talbot and Scott Darling would've inspired little excitement. How quickly things change.
Talbot, who's done a remarkable job filling in for the injured Henrik Lundqvist, stopped 26 of 27 shots and has surrendered one or fewer goals in his last five appearances. Darling, who's quietly earned a .936 save percentage in 10 games, saved all 25 shot he saw en route to a shutout -- his first since being recalled.
2. The Oilers can’t catch a break
The Blue Jackets scored on their first shot of the night against the Oilers, as David Savard beat Ben Scrivens 5:35 into regulation. From there, Edmonton outshot Columbus 41-18, yet somehow, the CBJ's came out on top.
Curtis McElhinney made 44 total stops, Ryan Johansen and Mark Letestu scored after Savard and Columbus won it in a shootout, 4-3. Ben Scrivens made just 17 saves and was beat twice during the skills competition.
3. Jeff Carter is on a roll
The 30-year-old forward has seven goals in his last nine games, including one on Wednesday. He and Anze Kopitar lead LA in points with 53.
drop and deliver pic.twitter.com/ylg6kiDXW4
— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 19, 2015
Impact moment
Anaheim’s Ryan Kesler scored the game-winning goal in overtime to beat Los Angeles, 3-2.
S/T @FlyByKnite
Stat of the night Blackhawks goaltending in March: 6-0-1 record, 1.14 GAA, .965 save percentage. Eight goals in seven games.
— Second City Hockey (@2ndCityHockey) March 19, 2015
Blackhawks goaltending in March: 6-0-1 record, 1.14 GAA, .965 save percentage. Eight goals in seven games.
— Second City Hockey (@2ndCityHockey) March 19, 2015See More:
