The Colorado Avalanche took over the lead in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference on Thursday night with a win over the Edmonton Oilers, according to the Associated Press. The Avs did so without both Ryan Smyth and Peter Forsberg. Smyth was held out with a shoulder injury, and Forsberg missed the battle because of a strained groin.

The San Jose Sharks won their ninth-straight game on Sunday night, a franchise record, according to the Associated Press. Patrick Marleau scored the game-winner in overtime for the Sharks, who won 3-2 over the Minnesota Wild on the road. "A little bit of confidence, it goes a long way," San Jose coach Ron Wilson said. "We're at a point right now where a little bump isn't going to hurt us." The nine-game run ties the Sharks with the Red Wings and Devils for the longest win streak this season in the NHL.