Alex Ovechkin scored his 892nd career goal, just three shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record of 894 goals. The iconic moment took place during the Washington Capitals' match against the Carolina Hurricanes, where Ovechkin netted a power-play goal late in the second period. He has achieved impressive stats against the Hurricanes, with 53 goals in 92 games played against them. This season alone, Ovechkin has 39 goals, aiming for his 14th season with 40 or more goals, the most in league history. With only seven games remaining, he remains on pace to surpass Gretzky's record if he continues his scoring streak into the playoffs.

In a thrilling overtime victory, the New York Rangers edged out the Minnesota Wild 5-4, showcasing the impressive debut of 19-year-old Gabe Perreault. Fresh from Boston College, Perreault displayed his elite playmaking skills, highlighted by a spectacular no-look pass. However, he also faced challenges, notably an accidental own goal. Vincent Trocheck, who scored the game-winner just 24 seconds into overtime, helped the Rangers secure their place in a heated playoff race, tying them with the Montreal Canadiens for the Eastern Conference's final wild card spot.

The Rangers' win marked just their third overtime victory of the season, reflecting a season of ups and downs. Perreault's performance, demonstrating patience and vision, suggests he will quickly adapt to the NHL's pace. Despite some defensive lapses leading to goals against, the Rangers controlled much of the play, outshooting Minnesota 38-24, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilience.

In a thrilling contest at Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers edged out the Minnesota Wild 5-4 in overtime, a game characterized by crucial turnovers and missed opportunities. Early in the third period, Marco Rossi equalized for the Wild, only to have Vincent Trocheck net the game-winner for the Rangers in the extra frame. This victory pushed the Rangers into a tie for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Wild remained in eighth place in the West, tied with the idle St. Louis Blues.

Both teams displayed moments of brilliance, yet a series of self-inflicted mistakes plagued their efforts. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves, while Filip Gustavsson of the Wild was under constant fire, finishing with 34 saves. The game saw multiple lead changes, with key contributions from players like Artemi Panarin and Marcus Johansson, who had a goal and two assists for Minnesota. The Wild's next challenge comes against the New York Islanders.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially secured a playoff spot for the ninth consecutive season following a close 3-2 victory against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. This win ensures that their point total surpasses all competing Eastern Conference teams that are currently outside the playoff realm, including the Montreal Canadiens who are vying for the second wild card position.

This achievement ties the Leafs with the Boston Bruins for the longest active playoff streak in the NHL. While the Bruins face challenges in their quest for the postseason this year, the focus for Toronto now shifts to securing the top position in the Atlantic Division as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a critical 3-2 victory against the Florida Panthers, thanks to Mitch Marner's pivotal third-period goal and Anthony Stolarz's 29 saves. John Tavares and Matthew Knies also contributed to the scoreline, with both players achieving two-point nights. This win allows the Leafs to extend their Atlantic Division lead to three points over the Tampa Bay Lightning and four over the Panthers. The absence of Aleksander Barkov for Florida due to injury was felt, as they struggled against the resilient Leafs defense.

As the playoffs approach, Tavares continues to shine, leading the NHL with 15 goals in his last 20 games. The game marked a key moment for Marner, who broke a 1-1 tie, showcasing the depth and talent of the Leafs roster. Both teams will meet again soon, with the stakes high as they battle for positioning in the playoff race.