Penguins, Red Wings claim key wins in NHL

The Penguins rallied from a two-goal deficit to overcome the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 thanks to Sidney Crosby, who scored twice.

Phillip Di Giuseppe and Riley Nash had put the Hurricanes ahead before Crosby (twice), Phil Kessel and Nick Bonino struck.

The Penguins are well-placed in the Eastern Conference wildcard places and they were re-joined by the Red Wings.

Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard made 27 saves in a 3-1 win for Detroit against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

They are three points behind the Penguins but one clear of the Philadelphia Flyers, who had a day off on Thursday.

In the wildcard race in the Western Conference, the Nashville Predators are still in control after a 4-2 win over the New York Islanders.

James Neal and Ryan Johansen had a goal and assist each in the win. The Los Angeles Kings came from behind to edge the New York Rangers 4-3 after overtime, with Jake Muzzin scoring the winner.

The Dallas Stars edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 and Jussi Jokinen's double helped the Florida Panthers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1.

The Arizona Coyotes enjoyed a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks and the New Jersey Devils piled on the goals in a 7-4 win against the Minnesota Wild.