Red Wings down Blues

The Detroit Red Wings moved further clear on top of the NHL's Western Conference, while the Nashville Predators won again.

Led by centre Pavel Datsyuk (a goal and an assist), the Red Wings recorded a 3-1 win over the St Louis Blues to open up a five-point advantage over the Vancouver Canucks.

The win was the Red Wings' seventh consecutive victory and 17th in a row on their home ice at Joe Louis Arena, putting them just three shy of the NHL record.

The Blues, who are third in the conference, made a dream start through Scott Nichol, but Datsyuk, Johan Franzen and Niklas Kronwall gave the hosts an important win.

The Nashville Predators continued their impressive form with a 4-1 defeat of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Centre Mike Fisher scored twice as the Predators collected their 11th win in their past 13 games and third in a row.

The Pacific Division-leading San Jose Sharks slumped to a surprise 2-1 shootout loss at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.

Oilers goaltender Devan Dubnyk stopped 44 shots through regulation and overtime, before saving three more in the shootout.

The Los Angeles Kings went level on points with the Sharks in the Pacific Division thanks to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators.

First-period goals from Jeff Skinner and Tim Brent helped the Carolina Hurricanes to a tough 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.

A double from centre Matthew Lombardi saw the Toronto Maple Leafs to a comfortable 3-0 win against the New York Islanders.