NHL roundup: Sidney Crosby sets new record, Blues extend winning streak

On Thursday, the National Hockey League (NHL) featured a 10-game lineup, coinciding with one of the most exhilarating days in sports, marked by Major League Baseball's Opening Day and the Sweet 16 of March Madness. However, the NHL also generated significant headlines.

Pittsburgh Penguins' star Sidney Crosby achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing Wayne Gretzky, as he has now completed 20 seasons with an average of at least one point (either an assist or a goal) per game.

Crosby's point was recorded from a goal during the Penguins' challenging 7-3 defeat against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Penguins are currently on a three-game losing streak, having been outscored 17-7 in that span.

Conversely, the Buffalo Sabres have secured three consecutive victories, outscoring their opponents 15-8.

In the matchup between the Blues and the Predators, the St. Louis Blues extended their league-leading winning streak to eight games, solidifying their position for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

In contrast, the Nashville Predators have been eliminated from playoff contention following this loss.

After trailing 0-2, the Blues rallied with three consecutive goals to clinch the victory, with Dylan Holloway contributing two goals (26) and Cam Fowler adding one (8).

In another game, the Flyers broke their six-game losing streak with a victory in their first match after parting ways with head coach John Tortorella.

Rookie standout Matvei Michkov (22) netted two goals, helping Philadelphia secure the win.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens, with 75 points, have now lost four straight games, jeopardizing their grip on the second Wild Card spot as they face pressure from the New York Islanders (74 points), New York Rangers (74 points), and Columbus Blue Jackets (73 points), all closely trailing behind.

Lightning 8-0 Utah
Despite outshooting Tampa Bay 25-21, Utah suffered a significant defeat, marking the Lightning's largest victory in franchise history since December 7, 2006, when they also triumphed over the Atlanta Thrashers with the same scoreline.

Oliver Bjorkstrand (19) netted two goals, while the remaining six goals were scored by different players, bringing the Lightning's season total to 89 points, tying them with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers.

On the other hand, Utah's goaltenders, Karel Vejmelka and Jaxson Stauber, each conceded four goals, contributing to Utah's second consecutive loss.

In another matchup, the Minnesota Wild secured a 4-2 victory against the Washington Capitals. Notably, Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin had his teammates return from the tunnel to honor Minnesota goalie Marc-Andre Fleury one final time before his retirement at the season's end.

The Dallas Stars achieved a 5-3 victory over the Calgary Flames, thanks in large part to goalie Casey DeSmith's impressive 46 saves, his highest total since March 21, 2022, when he recorded 52 saves against the Penguins.

After establishing a 4-1 lead, the Ottawa Senators successfully fended off a late surge from the Detroit Red Wings to secure a 4-3 win.