Wednesday's action across the NHL marked the end of the first half of the season, and there were nine games on the schedule.Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 3: For a while, it appeared as if Toronto had a chance to knock off the top team in the Eastern Conference, jumping out to a 3-1 lead over Boston. The Bruins, however, proved why there's a 30-point difference between the two teams in the standings and scored a pair of power play goals in the third period, forcing overtime. Michael Ryder scored the game-winner in a shootout, leading the Bruins to a 4-3 win.
Lightning 5, Sabres 3: Don't look now but the Lightning are playing some quality hockey the past few weeks, and with their 5-3 win over Buffalo on Wednesday, Tampa Bay has now won six of its past nine games. Steve Eminger and Steve Downie scored a pair of quick goals in the first period, while Mike Smith turned aside 31-of-34 shots in net for Tampa Bay.
Stars 4, Panthers 1: Mike Ribeiro netted a hat trick for Dallas during its 4-1 win over the Panthers. Mike Modano also added his 14th goal of the season for the Stars, while Marty Turco stopped 27 shots to pick up the win. Florida had an opportunity to move into the top eight of the Eastern Conference with a win, but instead closes out the first half in the No. 9 spot, one point behind Carolina.
Devils 5, Canadiens 2: Biggest surprise of the first half? How about New Jersey in first place of the Atlantic Division without Martin Brodeur. Didn't see that coming. Thanks to their 5-2 win over Montreal on Wednesday, the Devils have now won five straight.
Islanders 2, Ducks 1: Yann Danis made 39 saves for the Islanders as they pulled out a 2-1 win over the Ducks. The Islanders were outshot by a staggering 40-14 margin, and still somehow found a way to snap an eight-game losing streak. The Islanders still haven't scored more than two goals in a game since January 3.
Flyers 5, Thrashers 3: Atlanta overcame a 3-0 deficit in the third period against Philadelphia, only to watch Mike Knuble score a pair of goals in the final eight minutes of regulation as the Flyers escaped with a 5-3 win.
Blues 2, Blackhawks 0: Jeff Woywitka scored his first goal of the season for St. Louis, while Chris Mason stopped all 21 shots he faced to help lead the Blues to a 2-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blues enter the break with back-to-back wins over the Bruins and Blackhawks, both on the road. Impressive.
Kings 6, Avalanche 5: The Kings scored five goals in the second period and still had to hold off a third period rally from Colorago, as they pulled off a 6-5 win. Alexander Frolov scored a pair of goals for Los Angeles while Jonathan Quick picked up his sixth win of the season in net.
Flames 5, Blue Jackets 4: Dion Phaneuf introduced R.J. Umberger to the glass early in the first period, resulting in a game misconduct and an early shower for the Flames defenseman. Umberger responded with a pair of goals, but it was the Flames who got the last laugh as they pulled out a 5-4 shootout win.
