Following a slow start, the Winnipeg Jets have found a nice rhythm.

Meanwhile, the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks are just looking for some consistency.

The Jets try to extend their point streak to six games when they host the Blackhawks on Saturday.

Winnipeg lost three of its first five games but has gone 4-0-1 since. Kyle Connor scored 1:45 into overtime Thursday, as the Jets improved to 3-1-0 at home with a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.

Connor recorded a career-high 47 goals during his personal-best 93-point 2021-22 season. However, Thursday marked just the second time he has scored through 10 games this season.

“Sometimes it comes in bunches,” Connor said. “So, I’m just going to keep playing, keep trying to improve and get better every game. Hopefully, we can get on a little stretch here.”

Connor has four goals with five assists during his last five games versus Chicago, with Winnipeg winning four of those.

Jets teammate Connor Hellebuyck, who has a 2.35 goals-against average in eight starts, has stopped 76-of-82 shots while winning two of his last three home outings versus Chicago. Backup David Rittich has yielded six goals in his two starts this season, and 14 in four against the Blackhawks during his career.

Chicago opened the season with back-to-back road losses, then won four in a row. Following that run of success, the Blackhawks went 0-2-2 before Jonathan Toews scored 1:31 into overtime of a 2-1 home victory against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.

All but two of the Blackhawks’ 11 games this season have been decided by one or two goals.

“We’ve been playing a lot of tight hockey,” forward Jason Dickinson said. “So, to get one (win) out of the last five … it’s good. It’s huge for morale of the group to go into (a three-game road stretch) not feeling so down.”

After totaling just 12 goals in 71 games in 2021-22, Toews has seven already this season, and one in each of the last three contests. As one of the few established, celebrated veterans on a Chicago roster that is trying to find consistent success again, Toews seems to be taking a carefree approach to the game.

“It’s fun to just go play,” the 34-year-old Toews said. “There weren’t really any (expectations) for the team and for myself, especially this year.”

Toews has four goals and five assists during his last nine games against the Jets.

With injuries to veterans Petr Mrazek (groin) and Alex Stalock (concussion), it’s possible Arvid Soderblom (2.37 goals-against-average) could make his second straight start after stopping 32 shots versus Los Angeles for his first NHL victory. Of the six NHL games Soderblom has played since last season, he’s never faced the Jets.

However, current backup Dylan Wells is a possibility to make his debut.

Winnipeg’s Blake Wheeler has recorded all three of his goals this season in the last four games. But he’s gone without a point in three consecutive home contests against the Blackhawks.

–Field Level Media

The New York Islanders roll into Detroit on Saturday afternoon seeking a sixth straight victory.

All of those victories have come in regulation, as the Islanders have outscored their opponents 22-9 during that stretch.

The Islanders were down 1-0 at St. Louis after the first period on Thursday, then erupted for four goals in the second period en route to a 5-2 victory.

Kyle Palmieri tied the game just 14 seconds into the period. Over the next 10 minutes, Brock Nelson, Josh Bailey and captain Anders Lee hit the back of the net.

“It wasn’t our best first period,” Nelson said. “We wanted to come out with a push, and we added a huge goal right away, putting one in in the first minute, and then taking advantage of the power play, which was a big opportunity which is huge. … From there I thought we did a good job closing it out.”

Palmieri’s goal never touched his stick. Defenseman Noah Dobson took a shot that deflected off Palmieri’s skate.

Palmieri, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Zach Parise skate on the third line.

“I think our line, we know our role and we want to just play simple and make sure we put pucks deep and start going after their D,” said Pageau, who added an empty-net goal. “I thought we did good, going into the second with a great mentality and it paid off.”

Ilya Sorokin made 32 saves against the Blues. He’s been in the net for all but one of the games during the streak.

The Red Wings bounced back from a five-goal loss at Buffalo to defeat Washington 3-1 on Thursday.

Capitals star captain Alex Ovechkin tied Detroit legend Gordie Howe for the most all-time goals with one team on the Wings’ home ice. But Detroit’s defense was stout from that point, while Lucas Raymond, Andrew Copp and captain Dylan Larkin scored for the Wings.

Copp was one of the team’s major free agent acquisitions. The longtime Winnipeg Jets forward, who is skating on the second line, scored for the first time in a Detroit uniform.

“After a little slow start in the goal column, it’s nice to get the first one,” Copp said. “Just kind of hope now that opens up the floodgates a little bit.”

Raymond’s goal came on a power play. The Wings killed off four Capitals power plays.

“It just leads to huge momentum when you win the special teams battle,” first-year coach Derek Lalonde said. “Both teams are very depleted (through injuries), there’s not a huge margin for error for both teams and puts you in more emphasis to win the special teams and tonight we did.”

Ville Husso made 33 saves for Detroit, which is 4-1-1 at home this season. Husso, acquired in an offseason trade with the Blues, has an identical record.

“He calms our team down,” Lalonde said. “We might get running (around) in our zone a little bit and he’ll eat a puck or rebound, he gives us a calming feel and obviously he makes a couple of those big saves and that’s why his numbers are where they’re at, and the success our team has when he’s in net.”

The Red Wings are in the midst of a rugged schedule in which they play six games in 10 days. The Islanders are wrapping up a three-game road trip.

–Field Level Media

The Ottawa Senators announced Friday that a process has been initiated for the sale of the franchise.

Senators chairman and governor Sheldon Plener said a condition of any sale is keeping the franchise in Canada’s capital. The team has a preliminary agreement to work toward a new downtown arena at LeBreton Flats.

“Galatioto Sports Partners has been retained as financial advisor and a process has been initiated for the sale of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club,” Plener said. “This was a necessary and prudent step to connect with those deeply interested parties who can show us what their vision is for the future of the team.

“A condition of any sale will be that the team remains in Ottawa. The organization will have no further comment on this process at this time.”

Anna and Olivia Melnyk, daughters of late owner Eugene Melynk, inherited the franchise after he died in March.

Sportico valued the Senators’ franchise at $655 million.

Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, a noted fan of his hometown Vancouver Canucks, reportedly is among interested parties in ownership of the Senators.

–Field Level Media

The Carolina Hurricanes have worked extra across the past week to gain favorable results.

The Buffalo Sabres have done good work as well, perhaps even in an unexpected manner.

Both teams hold three-game winning streaks going into their Friday night matchup in Raleigh, N.C.

The Hurricanes have played beyond regulation for three consecutive games and prevailed each time. Those outcomes include a 4-3 shootout decision over the host Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.

“We’re sticking to it all the way through the end,” Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal said. “You hopefully end it earlier, but there are some good teams out there. There are some tight games.”

The Sabres are on the rise after finishing the four-game homestand strong. This next venture will be different on many levels, including having mothers joining the team for the trip that also includes a Saturday night game at Tampa Bay.

Coach Don Granato said the Sabres must prove they can handle road endeavors.

“It’s different when you’re on the road because you have greater swings of momentum,” he said. “The task presents a great opportunity for us to find out about ourselves and find out where we need to improve next.”

Carolina is putting up shots at rapid rates at times, including 55 against the Lightning.

Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis notched his first goal in seven games with a tally at Tampa Bay, his third of the season. He said he hopes that sparks him to more production.

“Everyone yells at me in the dressing room to shoot the puck more,” said Jarvis, a second-year player.

With goalie Frederik Andersen working in net Thursday for the Hurricanes, it likely will be Antti Raanta’s turn for the Buffalo game.

The Sabres feel good about their successes, but the team is evolving, just like their opponents.

“It’s early-season NHL hockey,” Granato said of working on timing. “The one part that is very consistent is it takes a range of five to 15 games for a player (to get that rhythm). For a team, it could take 20 games before they get to that rhythm and sync as a unit.”

Granato said the Hurricanes have reasonable aspirations to win a Stanley Cup this season. The Sabres might not be at that level, but they hope to compete on a more regular basis against some of the top teams.

“To know your team has confidence that they can find a way to win is a nice feeling,” Granato said. “It doesn’t say that you get it done every time.”

Defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin could be back in the Buffalo lineup after returning to practice Thursday. He has missed the past three games with a lower-body injury that he played through for a few games before sitting out.

“Now that he’s on the ice and went full go, I’ll have a conversation with him and see how it goes,” Granato said.

The game marks another return to Raleigh for center Jeff Skinner, who won the Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year) for the Hurricanes in 2010-11. Skinner, in his fifth season with the Sabres, has two goals and shares the team lead with eight assists.

–Field Level Media

Trent Frederic scored the tiebreaking goal 6:04 into the third period as the visiting Boston Bruins continued their early-season surge with a 5-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

The Bruins improved their NHL-best record to 10-1-0 and won their seventh straight. It is Boston’s first seven-game winning streak since winning eight straight since early in the 2019-20 season and the first time it opened with 10 wins in 11 games.

Frederic netted the game-winner after getting into a second-period fight with New York’s Barclay Goodrow. David Pastrnak, Charlie Coyle, Jake DeBrusk and Hampus Lindholm also tallied for Boston. Linus Ullmark made 18 saves for the win.

The Rangers got goals from Jimmy Vesey and Adam Fox. Igor Shesterkin lost despite making 32 saves.

Stars 7, Coyotes 2

Jamie Benn had a goal and two assists as Dallas rolled over Arizona in Tempe, Ariz.

It was the highest-scoring game of the year for the Stars, who have won their past two games. Jason Robertson scored two goals while Roope Hintz had two assists. Denis Gurianov, Wyatt Johnston, Ty Dellandrea and Jani Hakanpaa scored the Stars’ other goals, and Scott Wedgewood stopped 28 of 30 shots.

Juuso Valimaki and Lawson Crouse scored for Arizona, after the Coyotes already were down 6-0 in the third period. Matias Maccelli assisted on both goals.

Devils 4, Oilers 3

Ryan Graves and Jesper Bratt scored the tying and go-ahead goals seven seconds apart late in the third period to lift New Jersey over host Edmonton. The seven-second span was the fastest in which the Devils have scored twice.

The Devils have won five straight — their longest winning streak since a five-game run from Dec. 15-27, 2017. The Oilers had their five-game winning streak snapped.

Miles Wood had two goals and an assist for New Jersey. Vitek Vanecek, who entered in relief after Mackenzie Blackwood appeared to get injured in the second period, stopped 18 of 19 shots for the win. Connor McDavid, Derek Ryan and Leon Draisaitl scored for Edmonton, and Stuart Skinner made 39 saves.

Predators 4, Flames 1

Filip Forsberg and Matt Duchene each had a goal and assist, Kevin Lankinen made 29 saves and visiting Nashville beat Calgary to win for just the second time in nine games.

Forsberg scored 59 seconds into the second period and assisted on Roman Josi’s power-play goal 1:28 later. Meanwhile, ex-Flame Mark Jankowski scored in the first in his season debut and Duchene added an empty-netter for Nashville.

Jacob Markstrom stopped 28 of 31 shots for the Flames, who have dropped three consecutive games — all at home — after winning five of their first six. Calgary is 3-4-0 during an eight-game home stretch.

Islanders 5, Blues 2

Anders Lee and Brock Nelson each scored a goal and earned an assist to lead visiting New York past slumping St. Louis.

Kyle Palmieri, Josh Bailey and Jean-Gabriel Pageau also scored for the Islanders, who won their fifth straight. Noah Dobson had two assists, and Ilya Sorokin stopped 32 of 34 shots.

Vladimir Tarasenko tallied a goal and an assist and Robert Thomas also scored for the Blues, who have lost six in a row. Jordan Binnington made 25 saves.

Canucks 8, Ducks 5

Rookie Andrei Kuzmenko recorded his first NHL hat trick and added an assist for Vancouver in a victory over visiting Anaheim.

Elias Pettersson tallied a goal and four assists, Bo Horvat notched two goals and an assist and Spencer Martin made 26 saves for the Canucks, who have won three of four following a seven-game losing streak to start the season.

Troy Terry had a goal and two assists, Ryan Strome and Trevor Zegras each chipped in a goal and an assist and John Gibson made 39 saves for the Ducks, who remain the only NHL team without a win in regulation this season.

Kraken 4, Wild 0

Alex Wennberg scored twice and Martin Jones made 22 saves for his first shutout of the season and the 26th of his NHL career as Seattle won in Saint Paul, Minn.

Morgan Geekie and Jamie Oleksiak also scored and Daniel Sprong had two assists for the Kraken, who scored three times in the second and tied a franchise record with their third consecutive victory.

Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 19 of 23 shots for the Wild, who had a two-game winning streak snapped and lost in regulation for the second time in their past eight games (5-2-1).

Blackhawks 2, Kings 1 (OT)

Jonathan Toews scored the winning goal at 1:31 of overtime and host Chicago topped Los Angeles to end a four-game losing streak.

Toews started the winning series by claiming a faceoff in his own end. He eventually carried into the zone, and Jake McCabe controlled a bouncing puck to the left of Jonathan Quick and slid a pass across the slot to Toews, who knocked it in.

Jason Dickinson also scored for the Blackhawks, who were 0-2-2 in their last four games. Chicago’s Arvid Soderblom made 32 saves. Blake Lizotte scored for the Kings, and Quick stopped 17 shots.

Hurricanes 4, Lightning 3 (SO)

Sebastian Aho scored in the shootout’s sixth round as Carolina won its third straight game, beating host Tampa Bay.

The Hurricanes’ Martin Necas scored his sixth goal, with an assist from Brent Burns — giving each a five-game point streak. Seth Jarvis and Brady Skjei also found the net, and Frederik Andersen posted 23 saves.

The Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov stretched his goal streak to five games and points streak to nine. Ross Colton and Nicholas Paul also scored, and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 52 saves as Tampa Bay lost for the first time in four games.

Red Wings 3, Capitals 1

Alex Ovechkin tied Detroit legend Gordie Howe for the most all-time goals with one team, but the Red Wings defeated visiting Washington.

Ovechkin’s 786th goal with the Capitals came during the second period. Howe played in 1,687 regular-season games during 25 seasons with the Red Wings (1946-71). Ovechkin reached the milestone in 1,285 games during 17 seasons with the Capitals.

Dylan Larkin had a goal and an assist, and Lucas Raymond and Andrew Copp also scored for the Red Wings. Ville Husso made 33 saves for Detroit, which is 4-1-1 at home this season. Darcy Kuemper stopped 23 shots for the Capitals.

Jets 3, Canadiens 2 (OT)

Kyle Connor scored 1:45 into overtime to lift host Winnipeg over Montreal.

Pierre-Luc Dubois and Connor each had a goal and an assist and Blake Wheeler added a goal for Winnipeg, which won for the fourth time in five games. Connor Hellebuyck saved 20 shots.

Nick Suzuki notched a goal and an assist, Kirby Dach contributed a goal and Cole Caufield had two assists for the Canadiens, who lost their second game in a row. Sam Montembeault made 33 saves.

Panthers 4, Sharks 3 (SO)

Sam Reinhart scored the only goal in a four-round shootout and Sergei Bobrovsky made 36 saves through regulation and overtime as Florida won at San Jose.

Aleksander Barkov, Radko Gudas and Carter Verhaeghe scored for the Panthers, and Matthew Tkachuk tallied three assists.

Erik Karlsson led the Sharks with a goal and two assists, but his shootout attempt missed when he hit the post. Matt Benning and Timo Meier had San Jose’s other goals, and James Reimer stopped 41 shots.

Golden Knights 5, Senators 4

Mark Stone had a goal and an assist and Chandler Stephenson contributed a short-handed goal as Vegas edged host Ottawa.

The Golden Knights also received goals from William Carrier, Reilly Smith and Zach Whitecloud. Logan Thompson made 42 saves for Vegas, which has won 10 of its 12 games and notched its seventh consecutive victory over Ottawa.

The Senators received two goals apiece from Claude Giroux and Tim Stutzle. Anton Forsberg was lifted midway through the game after allowing five goals on 19 shots.

–Field Level Media

Sam Reinhart scored the only goal in a four-round shootout as the Florida Panthers defeated the host San Jose Sharks 4-3 on Thursday night.

Sergei Bobrovsky, who allowed a pair of long goals in regulation, made 36 saves through overtime and came up big in the shootout. He stopped three San Jose attempts in the tiebreaker, and Erik Karlsson missed on his shot when it hit the goalpost.

James Reimer, a former Panthers goalie, stopped 41 shots but took the loss.

Karlsson led San Jose with one goal and two assists. He leads all NHL defensemen with 10 goals and 18 points.

Matt Benning and Timo Meier had San Jose’s other goals.

Aleksander Barkov, Radko Gudas and Carter Verhaeghe scored for the Panthers. Matthew Tkachuk tallied three assists. He leads Florida with 16 points and has produced at least one point in nine of the team’s 11 games.

Florida opened the scoring on Barkov’s power-play goal with 13:43 expired in the first period. Barkov, working from the left circle, passed up a shot and tossed the puck to Anton Lundell in the slot. Lundell gave it right back, and Barkov found the open left side of the net.

The Panthers closed the first period with a 19-9 shots-on-goal advantage.

Florida made it 2-0 with 15:50 gone in the second period as Gudas — not known for his scoring — unleashed a long blast past Reimer’s stick. It was his first goal of the season.

San Jose got on the board with 18:56 left in the third, scoring on a five-on-three power play after penalties on Gudas (boarding) and Gustav Forsling (delay of game for firing the puck over the glass).

Meier took advantage, scoring on a one-timer from the right circle. He fired the puck past the glove of a diving Bobrovsky.

San Jose tied the score on Karlsson’s goal with 13:26 left in the third. After a faceoff win, Karlsson scored from beyond the left circle.

Karlsson then got the primary assist, making a blind between-the-legs pass to Benning, who scored on a long shot from the point for a 3-2 Sharks lead.

The Panthers pulled Bobrovsky and got the tying goal by Verhaeghe on a bad-angle shot from below the left circle with just 1:22 left in the third, sending the game to overtime.

–Field Level Media