In the twentieth weekly Metropolitan Division snapshot of this season, the New York Rangers remained on fire; the New Islanders, New Jersey Devils, and Pittsburgh Penguins found ways to fall short; and the Washington Capitals salvaged some of their season.
The Panthers had won 11 straight road games this season, one shy of tying the NHL record. It was Florida’s first game in Raleigh since it swept the Hurricanes in last year’s playoffs.