Alex Ovechkin has made another significant stride in his quest to surpass Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record, scoring the tying goal against the New York Rangers. This goal brings Ovechkin to 885 career goals, just ten shy of Gretzky's 894. His performance not only helped the Washington Capitals secure a 3-2 overtime victory but also tied him with Gretzky for the most game-tying goals scored in the last ten minutes of regulation in NHL history.

Jack Eichel and Tim Stützle also shone bright in their respective games, each hitting the 20-goal mark this season. Eichel's contributions led the Golden Knights to victory over the Maple Leafs, while Stützle's overtime winner secured a crucial win for the Senators, placing them in the final wild card spot of the Eastern Conference.

In a closely contested matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks faced the Ottawa Senators and fell short in overtime, losing 4-3. Despite the loss, the Blackhawks showcased resilience, coming back multiple times during the game. Brady Tkachuk opened the scoring early for Ottawa, but Ryan Donato's goal leveled the game, followed by Teuvo Teravainen and David Perron giving Chicago a temporary lead.

However, Ottawa responded with a one-time goal from Josh Norris, regaining the advantage. The final moments were marked by a controversial goal from Tim Stutzle, initially questioned for goaltender interference, but ultimately upheld after video review. This defeat frustrated Chicago players, who believed they played well but felt the calls didn't favor them.

In a crucial moment for the Ottawa Senators, they ended their five-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory against the San Jose Sharks. The return of key players Brady Tkachuk, Shane Pinto, and Josh Norris made a significant difference as they capitalized on their chances, despite a shaky start. The Senators fell behind but surged in the third period, with Tkachuk and Stutzle leading the charge to tie and then take the lead. A late empty-netter from Michael Amadio sealed the win, while Sharks' struggles continued, marking their eighth consecutive game without a win.

The Ottawa Senators ended their five-game losing streak with a much-needed 5-3 victory over the struggling San Jose Sharks. Despite a rocky start, the Senators rallied in the third period, scoring three goals to secure the win. Brady Tkachuk, Shane Pinto, and Josh Norris returned to the lineup, significantly impacting the game. Tkachuk tied the game on a power play, while Tim Stutzle netted his 19th goal of the season shortly after. Michael Amadio sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.

The Sharks, winless in their last eight games, initially led 2-1 after two periods, but couldn’t withstand the Senators’ comeback. Goalie Linus Ullmark made 34 saves for Ottawa, earning his first win since December 19. The Senators aim to build on this momentum as they face the Washington Capitals next.

Mikko Rantanen's offensive performance in Carolina has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike. Despite averaging a point every other game, his underlying metrics indicate substantial potential. The key question now looms: when will his scoring uptick begin? Comparisons to Timo Meier's struggles in New Jersey have emerged, hinting at the complexities of regaining a lost scoring touch.

With an extension on the table, Carolina is in a precarious position. As they weigh their options—signing Rantanen, trading him at the deadline, or waiting for a better offer in the off-season—the recent struggles of the Senators, compounded by injuries to key players, add another layer to the conversation. Ottawa's desperate need for health and depth could open the door for strategic maneuvers involving Rantanen, especially amid their playoff chase.