NHL scores 2017: Scott Darling’s emergence continues as Blackhawks keep rolling

Chicago is rolling toward the playoffs, as usual, and their backup goalie is a major reason why.

Scott Darling, the 28-year-old the Blackhawks signed as a free agent in 2014, made 25 saves in Buffalo on Sunday in the team’s best game of the season. Chicago is now 10 points clear of the St. Louis Blues for second place in the Central, their playoff berth all but assured.

And then Darling will ride off into the free agency sunset toward his biggest (and possibly only) big paycheck. More than a few teams will want to take a shot on the idea of Darling becoming their new starter in net. Backup-to-riches success stories like Martin Jones in San Jose and Cam Talbot in Edmonton will only reinforce that inevitability. And Darling’s earned it.

In the meantime, the Blackhawks are barreling toward another long playoff run with a luxury few teams possess: A backup just as capable of saving a playoff game as the elite starter he’s asked to replace.

Rangers 2, Capitals 1

Red Wings 5, Penguins 2

Jets 3, Senators 2

Islanders 6, Devils 4

Blackhawks 5, Sabres 1

Predators 4, Blue Jackets 3

Maple Leafs 4, Hurricanes 0

Lightning 3, Avalanche 2 (OT)

Bruins 2, Sharks 1 (OT)

Ducks 1, Kings 0

Flyers 3, Canucks 2

1. Petr Mrazek is rounding back into form

The Red Wings gave their goalie a cushion in the third period, but Mrazek still needed to hold the fort down. Mrazek did just that, with 24 saves in Detrioit’s surprising 5-2 win in Pittsburgh on Sunday.

This, after a 34-save win over the Capitals just the day before. Talk about a double-dose of confidence boosts for a team that had started circling the drain.

2. Auston Matthews is pretty good

That might be the goal of the year. Unless ...

3. Patrick Kane has something to say about that

Jacob Trouba is headed toward a suspension for this hit on Mark Stone.

CONTHPIRACY!