A club-record seven-game home winning streak and a respectable 2-2-2 away record are indications that the Columbus Blue Jackets are starting to turn the corner on the road to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Columbus tries to take the next step in that direction Sunday afternoon when it visits the Washington Capitals, who are not at full strength with three players sustaining injuries in Friday's 1-0 victory over Detroit.

The Carolina Hurricanes look to cap their five-game homestand with a fourth consecutive victory when they host the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday. Carolina began its string of contests at PNC Arena by dropping a 4-2 decision to Anaheim for its third straight overall defeat (0-2-1) but rebounded with triumphs over Washington, San Jose and league-leading Montreal, with the last two being determined by one goal.

The New York Rangers aim to avoid their first losing streak of the season when they return home from a successful road trip to host the Florida Panthers on Sunday. New York rebounded from its first four defeats this campaign with victories and hope to continue that trend after concluding its 3-1-0 trek Friday with a 4-2 setback in Columbus.

The Detroit Red Wings hope to end their scoring drought with an important weapon back in the lineup when they host the Calgary Flames on Sunday night. Veteran forward Thomas Vanek is expected to return for the Red Wings, who have gone 2-7-1 since winning six consecutive contests and have been shut out twice during their three-game losing streak.

The Anaheim Ducks have climbed into first place in the Pacific Division after a slow start, and veteran center Ryan Kesler has played a major role on both ends of the ice. Kesler, known as one of the league’s top defensive forwards, has recorded six goals in his last six games and looks to remain hot when the Ducks host the division-rival Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.