Hype for April 03, 2010

Everyone saw Jonathan Toews score in the shootout.

His screen on New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur in the final minute of regulation was just as important in helping the Chicago Blackhawks move a step closer to the Central Division title.

Toews scored the only shootout goal - tying him for the NHL lead this season with eight - Antti Niemi made 32 saves, and the Blackhawks inched closer to their first division crown since 1993 with a 2-1 victory over the Devils on Friday night.

The New York Rangers are taking care of their own business and getting some help as they make a late push for the playoffs.

Brandon Prust started New York's four-goal first period, and Henrik Lundqvist stopped 29 shots for his fourth shutout of the season as the Rangers routed the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-0 on Friday night.

With his team's playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Jaroslav Halak came to the rescue for the Montreal Canadiens.

Halak made 35 saves, and Tomas Plekanec scored the only goal in the Canadiens' key 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night.

With Colorado reeling and Calgary rolling, the Western Conference playoff race just became a lot more entertaining.

Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 35 shots to help the Calgary Flames beat the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 on Friday night and move into a points tie with the eighth-place Avalanche. The Flames have won three straight but this was the game they had to have to keep realistic post-season hopes afloat.

The Los Angeles King sent Jonathan Bernier back to the minors on Friday after the 21-year-old goalie won two games over the previous three days.

Bernier shut out Nashville and earned an 8-3 victory over Vancouver in his second callup of the season from the AHL's Manchester Monarchs to replace injured backup Erik Ersberg.

The NHL suspended Atlanta Thrashers forward Colby Armstrong for two games without pay Friday for hitting an opponent in the head during a game.

Colby was suspended for using his elbow to hit Washington Capitals forward Mathieu Perreault in the head during a game Thursday night. Armstrong wasn't penalized for the hit, which occurred at the 12:40 mark of the second period.

Michael Grabner celebrated the end of his long scoring drought with a smile.

The 22-year-old rookie forward scored three goals for Vancouver in a 5-4 shootout win over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday that secured a playoff berth for the Canucks. The six-foot, 170-pound Austrian hadn't scored since Oct. 25 against Edmonton.