Jason Zucker hopes for a repeat performance when the Minnesota Wild continue their quest for a top-three spot in the Central Division on Friday against the Florida Panthers. Zucker registered his second career hat trick on Thursday as the Wild topped Tampa Bay to remain within four points of St. Louis for third in the Central.

Alex Ovechkin could go down as the second-greatest goal scorer in NHL history but until the final chapter of his illustrious career is written, he'll concentrate on trying to help the Washington Capitals defend their first Stanley Cup title. First-place Washington tries for its sixth straight victory when it hosts the struggling New Jersey Devils on Friday with a couple more milestones in sight for Ovechkin, who leads the league with 46 goals and is one point shy of 1,200.

Ten years have elapsed since the Carolina Hurricanes made the Stanley Cup playoffs and while their on-ice celebrations following home victories have garnered plenty of attention - and some criticism, they enter Friday’s home game against the Winnipeg Jets in postseason position. Carolina brings an 8-1-1 streak into the matchup and is tied with Montreal for the Eastern Conference wild-card spots, two points ahead of Columbus with 16 games to go.

The Montreal Canadiens wasted an opportunity to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference wild-card race last time out. They get another chance to do so right away as they conclude their three-game trek through California on Friday against the Anaheim Ducks.