The Boston Bruins have ripped off six consecutive victories and appear to be looking at a gimme to keep their winning streak intact when they visit the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday afternoon. The red-hot Bruins have amassed an NHL-leading 80 points - 50 more than the Red Wings' league-worst 30 - but dropped a 4-2 decision at Detroit in November.

The Buffalo Sabres found a better form last time out at Madison Square Garden and hope to show it to their own fans when they host the improving Anaheim Ducks on Sunday afternoon. The Sabres, who were 1-3-1 on the recent homestand, won for the second time in seven games (2-4-1) on Friday by taking a three-goal lead and holding on for a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers.

The New York Rangers continue to employ three goaltenders, which makes it hard on the odd man out wearing street clothes. Alexandar Georgiev won't don any equipment Sunday when New York hosts the Los Angeles Kings as coach David Quinn announced that rookie Igor Shesterkin will start with veteran Henrik Lundqvist serving as the backup.

Entering play Saturday, the postseason race in the Western Conference could not be any tighter with three points separating the teams holding down seventh and 12th place. The Chicago Blackhawks, sitting at the bottom of that pack, kick off a five-game road trip against teams above them in the standings, beginning with Sunday's visit to the Winnipeg Jets.

The Minnesota Wild sit outside the playoffs in the Western Conference, but they are making a charge to get back into the race.

The Minnesota Wild are fighting for their playoff lives and try for a fourth consecutive victory when they host the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. It seemed Minnesota was destined to earn one point Friday against Dallas but Joel Eriksson Ek scored his second goal of the game with 27 seconds remaining to give the Wild a 3-2 victory and plenty of momentum heading into their Central Division battle with Colorado.