The Philadelphia Flyers clinched an NHL playoff spot with a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on Friday.
Martin Biron stopped all 22 shots for his fourth shutout as the Flyers completed a remarkable turnaround from being the worst team in the league last season to make the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Devils remained fourth in the East’s playoff standings, a point ahead of the New York Rangers.
The two teams were due to meet yesterday in a game to decide who clinches home ice advantage in the first round of playoffs.
Panthers 4, Hurricanes 3
In Raleigh, North Carolina, Florida won to prevent Carolina from clinching the Southeast Division.
Nathan Horton had a goal and an assist for the Panthers, who snapped a 13-game losing streak on Carolina’s home ice, winning there for the first time since 2002.
The Hurricanes would have clinched the division with a victory and outshot Florida 46-17 while committing no penalties to the Panthers’ nine.
The loss meant that Carolina would go from Southeast Division leader to missing the playoffs entirely if Washington beat Florida yesterday.
Islanders 4, Rangers 3, SO
In New York, Richard Park scored a short-handed goal in the second period and then added the decisive tally in the shootout as the Islanders finished their season by beating the Rangers in their all-New York match.
In the fourth round of the shootout, Park scored before goaltender Wade Dubielewicz turned aside Petr Prucha’s shot.
Bruins 2, Senators 1
In Ottawa, Boston edged Ottawa as both teams clinched playoff berths.
Tim Thomas came within 8:14 of recording his third straight shutout against Ottawa and Zdeno Chara scored against his former team as Boston drew level with Ottawa for sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
Blackhawks 3, Predators 1
In Chicago, the league’s rookie scoring leader Patrick Kane recorded his 20th goal of the season and had an assist as Chicago downed Nashville.
Patrick Lalime made 29 saves for the Blackhawks, who won their fourth straight.
Nasvhille lost for the first time in regulation in seven games.
The Predators finished in eighth place in the Western Conference, clinching the last playoff spot.
Nashville will face league-leading Detroit in the opening postseason round.
The Predators were 3-3-2 against the Red Wings in regular-season play.
Coyotes 4, Stars 2
In Dallas, Phoenix snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Dallas.
Rookie Daniel Carcillo had three goals for his first career hat trick and another rookie Martin Hanzal notched the tiebreaking goal in the second period.
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