Three Stars
1) Alex DeBrincat, Chicago Blackhawks
The goal-scoring numbers have not been there for DeBrincat this season, but a three-assist evening Wednesday helped the Blackhawks defeat the San Jose Sharks, 6-2. His helpers came on three consecutive goals (two on the power play) in the second period as the Blackhawks turned a one-goal deficit into a two-score advantage. DeBrincat’s most highlight-worthy assist came at 16:33 of the middle frame when he found Patrick Kane darting toward the back post. The 22-year-old forward weaved around Marc-Edouard Vlasic before Kane netted his second of the evening. Rookie forward Dominik Kubalik added his 30th of the season in the victory.
2) Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets
The Jets claimed sole possession of the first wild card in the Western Conference with a 4-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers. Connor scored twice in the third period to help the Jets extend their winning streak to four games. Defenseman Neal Pionk blocked a shot from Leon Draisaitl which allowed Connor to bolt toward the Oilers net. Blake Wheeler delivered a perfect pass to set up a breakaway for Connor who gave the Jets a 3-2 lead with a five-hole finish. Connor added an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the victory for the Jets.
3) Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
After missing five straight games with an upper-body injury, Makar returned to the lineup and pitched in offensively with three assists in the Avs’ 3-2 win against the Rangers. He helped set up power-play goals for Tyson Jost and Vladislav Namestnikov in regulation. Then, during the three-on-three overtime session, he moved around the offensive zone until firing a wrist shot that Compher eventually deflected for the game-winning goal. Makar has recorded 50 points this season and is in a tight race for the Calder Trophy with Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes. The Avalanche remain two points behind the Central Division-leading St. Louis Blues but have one game in hand.
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Highlights of the Night
Kane scored his second of the game after DeBrincat delivered a perfect cross-ice pass.
Connor McDavid returned to action and beat Connor Hellebuyck to the far post.
It only took Bobby Ryan 29 seconds to open the scoring when he buried this feed from Brady Tkachuk.
Playoff Push
Stat of the Night
According to NHL Stats and Information, Mika Zibanejad is the first Ranger who has registered a goal in 12 games over a 13-game span in franchise history. #NYR
— NYR Stats & Info (@NYRStatsInfo) March 12, 2020
Scores
Chicago Blackhawks 6, San Jose Sharks 2
Winnipeg Jets 4, Edmonton Oilers 2
Colorado Avalanche 3, New York Rangers 2 (OT)
St. Louis Blues 4, Anaheim Ducks 2
Los Angles Kings 3, Ottawa Senators 2
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Scott Charles is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @ScottMCharles.