Hype for March 15, 2010

The Colorado Avalanche needed a standout performance from goaltender Craig Anderson to deal another blow to the Dallas Stars' fading playoff chances.

Anderson matched a season high with 48 saves, Paul Stastny scored twice, and the Avalanche rallied to beat Dallas 5-3 on Sunday.

Alex Ovechkin was kicked out early, the Washington Capitals fell behind 3-0 and that's when they showed why they have the NHL's best record and highest-scoring offence.

Nicklas Backstrom scored unassisted with 1:50 left in overtime - his second goal of the game - to give the Capitals a 4-3 comeback victory Sunday.

Sean Avery was all talked out after popping in two goals following a one-game benching.

The noted agitator had little to say after leading the Rangers to a key 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers that gave New York's late-season playoff push a much-needed confidence boost.

The New York Islanders defied their recent history to knock off a Stanley Cup contender and a bottom-feeder in less than 24 hours.

Despite having the NHL's second-worst penalty kill and third-worst power play, the Islanders killed off seven penalties and scored power-play and short-handed goals in a 4-1 victory over the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday.

The Anaheim Ducks haven't had much to pat themselves on the back about. A great deal of their misery has been caused by the San Jose Sharks.

But Anaheim's 4-2 victory over the Western Conference leaders Sunday night salvaged a shred of dignity for the Ducks, who avoided getting swept by their Pacific Division rivals in a six-game season series for the third time.

Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler scored first-period goals Sunday as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1.

The streaking Canucks, who are 6-1-1 since the Olympic break, maintained their lead atop the Northwest Division while the Flames' playoff drive hit a speed bump.