NHL scores 2017: Canadiens take the first round of a crucial Senators series

The home-and-home series between the Canadiens and Senators is the starring role of the hockey weekend. And stars from both teams stepped into the limelight in the first game on Saturday.

The importance of these games is hard to understate: A sweep for either team would provide a four-point cushion atop the Atlantic Division. Right now that’s the difference between facing the Rangers or Bruins in the first round. A bit “pick your poison,” but good luck telling them that.

Competition is everything for athletes, and you knew the best Habs and Sens would bring it with a division crown on the line. Erik Karlsson was at his best, keeping pace in the Norris Trophy conversation with a strong offensive game. Kyle Turris created a game-tying goal with a beautiful saucer pass to Derick Brassard.

But Montreal prevailed on the backs of its stars: Brendan Gallagher, Carey Price and Alexander Radulov all played huge roles in the shootout win.

The series returns to Quebec on Sunday for another must-watch game. Part of us hopes the Senators win in overtime just to split the six possible points down the middle. For tension’s sake.

Canadiens 4, Senators 3 (SO)

Red Wings 5, Avalanche 1

Blue Jackets 3, Islanders 2 (OT)

Rangers 3, Wild 2

Blackhawks 2, Maple Leafs 1 (OT)

Capitals 5, Lightning 3

Hurricanes 4, Predators 2

Blues 3, Coyotes 0

Ducks 2, Sharks 1

Oilers 2, Canucks 0

1. Minnesota is ceding ground to the Blackhawks

Funny how losing four straight while your rivals win four straight can flip-flop the standings. Almost like ... math, or something.

Chicago is still rolling, in the midst of one of the hottest springs the franchise has encountered since becoming regular contenders. They needed some offsides review magic to overcome the Maple Leafs on the road (more on that in a bit), but it was well-earned.

Meanwhile, the Wild keep faltering. Ceding the Central title to Chicago might not be the worst, thing, however: a playoff date with the Predators seems more palatable than a date with the Blues.

2. Life comes at you fast if you’re the Avalanche

Colorado entered the third period down a goal. Nathan MacKinnon tied it in the opening minutes.

15 minutes later, the Avs were down 5-1 and octupi were flying from the Joe Louis Arena rafters.

That kind of season.

3. Nothing makes sense

Washington’s win was Tampa Bay’s loss was Toronto’s gain was the Islanders’ loss was the Blue Jackets’ gain was Pittsburgh’s loss was Washington’s gain.

If you enjoy making your own head spin but your local roller coaster is closed for the winter (spring?) then just track the NHL’s playoff positions on any given night.

The only certainty? The Capitals are playoff bound, becoming the first NHL team to punch that ticket with a win over the Lightning.

If this costs the Leafs anything (playoff spot or playoff position) you can bet their fans will bring it up ad nauseam.