NHL: Dallas Stars shine bright; Colorado Avalanche clinch play-off spot

Colton Sceviour scored the first two goals as Dallas Stars beat Western Conference leaders St Louis Blues 4-2.

The Stars, who hammered the Nashville Predators on Friday night, went two up although their lead was reduced to a goal by a brace of Alexander Steen powerplay goals in between Cody Eakin's strike for Dallas.
There would be no way back for the Blues, though, as they suffered their first regulation defeat at home in 10 matches and just their sixth for the season, as Antoine Roussel gave the Stars victory.
Jarome Iginla scored twice as Boston Bruins beat Washington Capitals by the same scoreline to clinch the Atlantic Division title.
The Bruins were three goals to the good midway through the second period after Iginla's double in-between Carl Soderberg's powerplay goal, while Patrice Bergeron added a fourth, with Jason Chimera and Evgeny Kuznetsov on target for Washington.
Colorado Avalanche clinched their first play-off spot in four years with a 3-2 victory over San Jose Sharks, who have already qualified.
John Mitchell scored the decisive goal and provided an assist, while Paul Stastny and Cody McLeod also netted for the Avalanche, with strikes from Joe Pavelski and Dan Boyle coming in vain for San Jose.

Skating ahead

Montreal and Los Angeles extended their winning streaks, with the Canadiens overcoming Florida Panthers 4-1 and the Kings beating Winnipeg Jets 4-2.
Max Pacioretty netted twice after an opener from Thomas Vanek, who also provided an assist, while David Desharnais completed the victory in the final minute to give the Canadiens their fifth successive win.
The Kings went ahead through Trevor Lewis before Anze Kopitar's double put them clear and although Matt Halischuk gave Winnipeg some hope, Tyler Toffoli restored the three-goal cushion, meaning Blake Wheeler's goal counted for little as Los Angeles earned their sixth consecutive win.
Darren Helm's hat-trick sent Toronto Maple Leafs crashing to their eight defeat in a row as Detroit Red Wings claimed a 4-2 victory.
Gustav Nyquist also got on the scoreboard for Detroit, while the Leafs equalled their worst run since 1985 despite Cody Franson and Joffrey Lupul finding the net.
Zach Parise scored twice in the third period, in-between Jared Spurgeon's goal as Minnesota Wild beat Phoenix Coyotes 3-1, while Luca Sbisa, Matt Beleskey, Saku Koivu, Corey Perry and Mathieu Perreault all netted as Anaheim Ducks thrashed Vancouver Canucks 5-1.
Steven Stamkos scored twice, including the winner in overtime, as Tampa Bay Lightning edged out Buffalo Sabres 4-3, a powerplay goal in overtime from Ryan Johansen ensured Columbus Blue Jackets squeaked past Carolina Hurricanes 3-2, while Frans Nielsen scored in regulation time and added a penalty in the shootout as New York Islanders dented New Jersey Devils' play-off hopes with a 2-1 win.