Artemi Panarin had two goals, and the host Chicago Blackhawks beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 on Friday night to reach the cusp of clinching the Central Division.
Panarin scored in the opening minute, then added an empty-netter with 44 seconds left for his 28th goal of the season. Patrick Kane assisted on all three goals as Chicago extended its division lead to nine points over Minnesota.
Penguins 4, Rangers 3: Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist in regulation and then got the clinching tally in the shootout as visiting Pittsburgh snapped a four-game skid.