Newsmakers in the NHL: Chicago Stops Carolina's Winning Streak

Blackhawks 3, Hurricanes 2: The Carolina Hurricanes had their four-game winning streak snapped thanks to a 3-2 shootout loss in Chicago, though they still managed to gain an important point thanks to Tuomo Ruutu's game-tying goal with just 27 seconds to play in regulation, sending the game to overtime.

With the Hurricanes trailing, 2-1, Chicago's Jonathan Toews was called for hooking Carolina's Chad LaRose late in the third period. Just 36 seconds later, Ruutu beat Cristobal Huet for his 21st goal of the season.

Thanks to Ruutu's goal, the Hurricanes now move into a tie with Pittsburgh for the No. 6 spot in the conference with 78 points. Rod Brind'Amour also scored for Carolina, while Cam Ward turned aside 39 shots through overtime.

The Blackhawks received goals from Kris Versteeg and Troy Brouwer, while Versteeg also netted the game-winner in the shootout.

Ducks 4, Canucks 3: Scott Niedermayer scored the game-winner at the 3:37 mark of overtime to give the Ducks an important 4-3 win over Vancouver. With the win, Anaheim moves into a tie with Minnesota and Dallas for the No. 9 spot in the Western Conference, just one point out of the eighth and final playoff spot. Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf, and Petteri Nokelainen also scored for the Ducks, while Jonas Hiller stopped 32 shots.

The rest of Wednesday's action

Ottawa beats Tampa Bay, 3-2, in overtime thanks to a goal from Mike Fisher.

Daily rebounds

-- Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist has been feeling a little under the weather lately, which is why he didn't get the start in New York's 3-0 loss to Carolina on Monday night.

-- The NHL announced on Wednesday that the Rangers will receive a second-round pick as compensation for the death of prospect Alexei Chereponov.

-- Bob McKenzie talks salary cap at TSN.

-- Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has been activated from injured reserve for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Thursday's key games

-- Florida and Buffalo face off at HSBC arena, as the Sabres desperately need a win to keep pace in the east. Thanks to back-to-back losses in Ottawa and Philadelphia, Buffalo has fallen four points out of the No. 8 spot, and a loss to the Panthers would push them as far as six points back. It's the classic "four point game."

-- The Penguins are one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now, winning nine of their past 10 games, and they look to keep things rolling in Columbus. The Blue Jackets are coming off impressive wins over Detroit and Boston, outscoring the two powers by a 10-2 margin.

-- Carolina travels to Dallas in a battle of two teams going in opposite directions.