NHL: Blackhawks battle back to sink San Jose Sharks

The Western Conference Central leaders came back from 3-1 down to record a dramatic 4-3 victory.

Chicago Blackhawks wing Viktor Stalberg looks for a way past San Jose defender Justin Braun.

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins remain top of their respective divisions after recording narrow victories.

The Blackhawks - the Western Conference Central leaders - had to come from 2-0 and 3-1 down against the San Jose Sharks before claiming a 4-3 win.

There were six goals scored in a frenetic opening period, with Andrew Shaw and Marcus Kruger drawing Chicago level before Patrick Kane settled the tie in their favour.

The Pittsburgh Penguins held off a determined third-period fightback by the New York Islanders to claim a 4-2 win.

Goals from James Neal, Simon Despres and Brandon Sutter put the Eastern Conference Atlantic leaders in the driving seat.

But Michael Grabner and Brad Boyes narrowed the deficit to just a single score before Pascal Dupuis gave the Penguins some much-needed breathing room en route to a fourth successive triumph.

David Clarkson scored twice as the New Jersey Devils beat the New York Rangers 3-1 to remain just a point behind Pittsburgh.

Clarkson set up Adam Henrique for the game's opening score and added a brace before Chris Kreider salvaged some pride for the Rangers.

James van Riemsdyk also netted twice - his fifth and sixth goals of the season - to help the Toronto Maple Leafs edge out the Washington Capitals 3-2, while Tom Sestito scored the only goals for the Philadelphia Flyers, who beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1.

The Nashville Predators hammered the St Louis Blues 6-1 for their third successive win, with Martin Erat scoring one and providing two assists, while the Ottawa Senators held off a resurgent comeback from the Buffalo Sabres to win 4-3.

Chris Neil put the Senators 4-1 ahead midway through the second period but Jordan Leopold and Jason Pominville narrowed the deficit to a single goal to set up a nervy finale.

Dennis Wideman's goal and assist led the Calgary Flames to a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, the Los Angeles Kings beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 and Bryan Little scored on a power play in overtime as the Winnipeg Jets edged out the Florida Panthers 3-2.

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