After emerging victorious in an NHL-record 20-round shootout, the Florida Panthers would love nothing more than to keep their hot streak going when they visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. "The great thing is, I don't know how many times guys bailed me out where they had to score to keep it alive, and they did every time," said Roberto Luongo, who yielded five goals during the shootout as the Panthers posted a 2-1 victory over Washington on Tuesday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to set the pace in the Eastern Conference but could be severely short-handed when they host the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night. Superstar captain Sidney Crosby has been sidelined for the past three games due to the mumps and three more teammates were tested for the disease Wednesday. Crosby skated on his own Wednesday and a decision on his availability will be determined at Thursday's morning skate.

Two teams streaking in opposite directions collide when the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. Toronto is surging toward the top of the Atlantic Division as it trails first-place Tampa Bay by two points thanks to a winning streak that reached six games on Tuesday. Phil Kessel scored two goals and set up another while Tyler Bozak added a tally and an assist as the host Maple Leafs breezed past Anaheim 6-2 for their eighth win in nine contests.

The Columbus Blue Jackets vie for their franchise record-tying eighth consecutive victory when they open a season-high five-game homestand against the Metropolitan Division-rival Washington Capitals on Thursday. Sergei Bobrovsky has been in net during every contest of the winning streak, including a 30-save performance to record his first shutout of the season in a 1-0 triumph over Detroit on Tuesday.

The Montreal Canadiens are back on track following their worst patch of the season, but they can't get too comfortable as they prepare to face the formidable Anaheim Ducks at the Bell Centre on Thursday night. Coming off losses in six of seven contests, the Canadiens have gone a perfect 3-0-0 on a five-game homestand that has included wins over Vancouver, Los Angeles and Carolina. But the Ducks are one of the top road teams in the league, having gone 11-4-2 away from Anaheim.

The St. Louis Blues are on a tear, riding a five-game winning streak that has moved them to within shouting distance of the Chicago Blackhawks atop the Central Division. The Los Angeles Kings are headed in the opposite direction, having dropped three in a row to fall perilously close to the postseason cutoff line. A visit to Staples Center by the Blues could be the thing that changes both teams' course of direction as they face off Thursday night in the finale of a home-and-home set.

The San Jose Sharks look to remain perfect on their five-game homestand when they face off against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. San Jose kicked off its stretch at SAP Center with a 5-2 triumph over Edmonton and followed with a 2-1 victory against Minnesota before blanking Nashville 2-0 on Saturday. Joe Thornton recorded a goal and an assist while Antti Niemi made 29 saves en route to his 29th career shutout - second this season - as the Sharks won their sixth straight home game.