Game recaps plus the latest on the Flames, Jets, and Oilers.
Game recaps.
Max Pacioretty (left) celebrates his overtime goal against the Panthers with P.K. Subban.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Max Pacioretty scored in overtime to give the Montreal Canadiens a 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers. The win clinches a playoff berth for the Habs, who also move back into sole possession of first overall in the Eastern Conference.
TORONTO SUN/OTTAWA CITIZEN: Tyler Bozak tallied a hat trick as the Toronto Maple Leafs edged the Ottawa Senators 4-3. Because of the Senators loss, the Boston Bruins were able to reclaim the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference with their victory over the New York Rangers yesterday. The Bruins hold a one-point lead over the Senators.
THE VANCOUVER SUN: John Klingberg’s overtime goal lifted the Dallas Stars to a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, who remain in second place in the Pacific Division with a three-point lead over third-place LA Kings.
Latest on the Flames, Jets and Oilers.
CALGARY HERALD: The Flames will attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive when they face the Nashville Predators today.
WINNIPEG SUN: Jets coach Paul Maurice must decide if he’ll stick with red-hot Ondrej Pavelec for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks or go with backup Michael Hutchinson, who has a better record against the ‘Hawks than Pavelec.
EDMONTON SUN: Taylor Hall’s return to the lineup gives the Oilers more options.
Sorry Sens, I had a feeling that may happen. Top line has been getting lots of chances lately just not cashing in. Funny just the other day McDavid compared his game to Bozak then Bozak goes an does this.
No doubt, for some Leaf fan’s beating Ottawa last night finally gave them something to celebrate. Full credit to Toronto for actually stepping up and finally putting forth an effort. I’ve come to believe that Leaf fan’s must be the most tolerant fan’s in North America. Not so sure that’s a good thing though…
The Senator’s have a game at hand over Boston and its going to be tough but they’re not out of it yet!
I take no comfort from it, I want the Sens to make it, and at this point could careless if the Leafs won another game this year. Up to last nights win there was still a small chance the Oilers could maybe catch them.
last night’s game was troubling in that not only was Vancouver not able to hold a lead but their defense lost track of Dallas’s most dangerous player (Seguin) who scored on the resulting breakaway, if not for a careless penalty by Seguin and the resulting powerplay goal the Canucks could’ve easily lost in regulation. Eddie Lack has played great but the winning goal in OT was one he should’ve had. the playoffs are within reach but there’s a few desperate teams that stand between them and their stated goal at the beginning of the season. it’s not hard to figure that Vancouver would rather face Calgary than LA but whoever they face they’re going to want home ice advantage and that’s something they control right now they just have to get the job done. Vancouver begins their final regular season roadtrip with a tough back to back facing St Louis first then Nashville the following night and if Vancouver wants to hang on to control of their own destiny then they can’t afford to lose more than once the rest of the season, at this point they’ve beaten all the teams they’re going to play at least once with the exception of Nashville. the Predators have all but clinched a playoff spot and will face a determined Flames team tonight (possibly without their captain Weber who’s day to day with an injury) and may suffer some battle scars. Vancouver is mostly healthy at this point with the exception of Miller, Richardson (who’s relapsed a little with his foot injury) and Kassian (apparently a back injury, but it doesn’t appear to be major). they have faced some big injury issues this year but they not only made it through them they also have gained valuable experience for their rookies and depth players.