The Chicago Blackhawks held on for a win in the NHL as the Toronto Maple Leafs continued their good form.

The Blackhawks edged to a 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center on Friday.

The Maple Leafs made it six wins in their past seven, scoring four times in the first period of a 4-2 victory against the New Jersey Devils.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche ended a losing streak.

DARLING STOPS HURRICANES

Blackhawks goaltender Scott Darling made 39 saves in his team's win.

Jonathan Toews and Artemi Panarin, the latter with his 16th strike of the season, put the Blackhawks ahead.

Victor Rask struck with seconds remaining in the second period, but Darling ensured Chicago would hold on.

RED-HOT MAPLE LEAFS

The Maple Leafs made a flying start against the Devils and never looked back.

Nazem Kadri, Connor Brown, Auston Matthews and Tyler Bozak scored in a thrilling first period.

Toronto were never troubled from that point on, although PA Parenteau and Jon Merrill scored in the third period for the Devils.

AVALANCHE STOP SKID

The Avalanche ended a five-game losing streak by overcoming the New York Islanders 2-1 after overtime.

Nathan MacKinnon scored with just 16.1 seconds left to secure the win at the Pepsi Center.

CLASSY BLACKHAWKS

PANTHERS, CANUCKS WIN

The Florida Panthers edged the Nashville Predators 2-1, the Vancouver Canucks crushed the Calgary Flames 4-2 and the Anaheim Ducks had a 3-2 overtime win against the Arizona Coyotes.

BLUE JACKETS FACE TEST

The Columbus Blue Jackets (27-6-4) are back in action for the first time since their 16-game winning streak was ended when they face the New York Rangers (27-13-1) on Saturday.