NHL Rink Wrap: Panthers clinch top spot in East, Power’s first goal, Copp’s big game

The New York Rangers stayed how on Thursday night and secured home ice advantage in the First Round of the playoffs thanks to their 6-3 win over their crosstown rivals, the New York Islanders. Andrew Copp got things started for the Rangers with a natural hat trick in the first period to help give them an early 3-0 lead. He has been one of the best trade deadline acquisitions of the year since joining the Rangers and has now eclipsed the 20-goal mark for the season. The downside for the Rangers on Thursday: Copp ended up leaving the game with a lower-body injury and did not return. The team will have more information on Friday but this is definitely an injury situation to watch.

No. 1 overall pick Owen Power scored his first career goal for the Buffalo Sabres in their 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils. The Sabres are definitely finishing the season on a high note and getting some production from Power is definitely an encouraging sign.

Jake Guentzel recorded his fifth career hat trick to help lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-0 shutout win over the Boston Bruins. Those three goals give Guentzel 40 goals on the season, the second 40-goal season of his career.

Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk now has 40 goals and 100 points on the season. He and Johnny Gaudreau have been as good as any other forward duo in the league this season.

Stars miss an opportunity in playoff race

The Western Conference Playoff race is really getting interesting in the final weeks of the regular season. The Dallas Stars had a chance to add some cushion in the Wild Card race on Thursday but lost their third game in a row and fourth in their past five games. They now sit just two points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights for the second Wild