After clashing in the first round of the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs were expected to compete with Tampa Bay for supremacy in the Atlantic Division. However, both teams are mired in losing streaks as they prepare to collide for the third time this season when the Bruins visit the Maple Leafs on Friday night.

Evgeni Malkin knows that the spotlight likely will shift in his direction with fellow former Hart Trophy recipient Sidney Crosby sidelined for at least six weeks following core muscle surgery. Malkin carries a four-game point streak (one goal, five assists) into Friday's contest as the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the New Jersey Devils.

The Montreal Canadiens are on a roll and making a run at first place in the Atlantic Division, but they pale in comparison to the red-hot Washington Capitals. Owners of the best record in hockey, the Capitals have not lost in regulation in more than a month and will take a 13-game point streak (11-0-2) into Friday night's matchup against the visiting Canadiens.

The St. Louis Blues have not missed a beat since hoisting their first Stanley Cup in June, even withstanding a devastating injury to high-scoring forward Vladimir Tarasenko. The Blues own the best record in the Western Conference and are riding an eight-game point streak heading into Friday night's matchup at the skidding Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Philadelphia Flyers have been pushed to the limit during their seven-game point streak (5-0-2), with six of those contests venturing past regulation and five into the shootout. The Flyers will try to win in regulation on Friday when they visit the Ottawa Senators, who have won six of 10 after a 1-6-1 start.