Thomas Vanek scored 1 minute, 16 seconds into overtime to cap a two-goal comeback as the Buffalo Sabres clinched a playoff berth with a 4-3 victory over the slumping Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night.
Vanek finished with a goal and two assists, while Nathan Gerbe scored twice, including a highlight reel spin-around goal that tied it midway through the third period.
Jason Pominville also scored for the Sabres, who had already secured a postseason spot by earning a point when the game entered overtime.
Danny Briere and Scott Hartnell had a goal and assist, while Kris Versteeg also scored for Philadelphia, 0-3-2 in their past five games.
The Flyers late-season skid has prevented them from clinching the Atlantic Division title, and they’ve now fallen into a tie with Pittsburgh. With 104 points, both teams have one game left, though the Flyers have the tiebreaker edge on their cross-state rivals.
The Flyers loss also allowed Washington to clinch the top spot in the East.
PREDATORS 4, BLUE JACKETS 1
In Nashville, Tennessee, Patric Hornqvist scored two goals and had an assist as Nashville clinched their sixth playoff berth in seven seasons with a victory over Columbus.
Matt Halischuk and Sergei Kostitsyn also scored for Nashville.
The Predators were to wrap up the regular season yesterday night in St Louis with a chance to earn the Western Conference’s No. 4 seed and start the playoffs at home — where they went 24-9-8 this season.
Derick Brassard scored for Columbus. The Blue Jackets have lost five straight.
HURRICANES 6, THRASHERS 1
In Atlanta, Georgia, Jeff Skinner and Tuomo Ruutu each had a goal and two assists as Carolina beat Atlanta to move closer to an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Carolina need a home win yesterday over Tampa Bay or a regulation loss by the New York Rangers to make the playoffs for the first time since advancing to the Eastern Conference finals in 2009.
Erik Cole, Joni Pitkanen, Brandon Sutter and Jussi Jokinen also scored for Carolina.
PENGUINS 4, ISLANDERS 3, SO
In Uniondale, New York, Chris Kunitz scored the only goal in the shootout as Pittsburgh beat New York to avenge a record-setting, fight-filled loss.
The Penguins seemed to have things well in hand until Travis Hamonic’s goal with just 35 seconds left leveled it at 3-3.
Mark Letestu, Mike Rupp and Zbynek Michalek scored for Pittsburgh.
Blake Comeau had two goals for the Islanders.
In Friday’s other action, it was:
‧ Blackhawks 4, Red Wings 2
‧ Lightning 4, Panthers 2
‧ Stars 3, Avalanche 2
‧ Wild 3, Oilers 1
‧ Ducks 2, Kings 1
‧ Coyotes 4, Sharks 3
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
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