Newsmakers in the NHL is a weekday morning attempt to clear yesterday's rebounds and look to the day ahead.Bruins 5, Canadiens 4: The Montreal Canadiens may have lost on Thursday night, but because they did so in overtime, earning a "Bettman point," they managed to secure a playoff spot, avoiding what would have been a spectacular disappointment in a season of celebrations and championship expectations. Montreal overcame a 3-1 deficit in the second period with a four-goal outburst, including a tally from defenseman Mathieu Schneider who suited up despite earlier reports that his season was over.
Aside from Montreal, the New York Rangers also punched their playoff tickets with a 2-1 win over the Flyers, which means the Florida Panthers, despite their 3-2 win in Atlanta, are mathematically eliminated from contention.
It was a valiant effort from first-year head coach Peter DeBoer and his young team, but they're going to come up just short, and this past Friday's loss to Atlanta is probably going to sting for quite a while this offseason. On the plus side ... free tickets next season!
Predators 4, Red Wings 3: Gigantic win for Nashville, as the Predators overcame a 3-1 deficit in the final seven minutes of regulation to pick up a 4-3 shootout win in Detroit. Jason Arnott and J.P. Dumont scored for Nashville in the third period, while Arnott added the game-winner in the fourth round of the shootout. With the win, the Predators move into a tie with St. Louis and Anaheim for the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference.
The Rest Of Thursday's Action
-- The Hurricanes have their winning streak snapped with a 5-1 loss to Buffalo.
-- Pittsburgh wins, 6-1, against the Islanders, while New York has been outscored 15-1 in its past two games.
-- The New Jersey Devils clinch the Atlantic Division with a 3-2 shootout win in Ottawa.
-- Mike Green scores his 31st goal of the season in Washington's 4-2 win over Tampa Bay.
-- Thanks to their 1-0 win over Los Angeles, the Vancouver Canucks take over first place in the Northwest Division.
-- Dallas Beats Colorado, 3-2.
-- Phoenix surprises the Sharks, 4-1.
Daily Rebounds
-- Steve Lepore of Puck The Media talks to Bruins broadcaster Jack Edwards about ESPN and hockey. [Puck The Media]
-- The Calgary Flames have had some problems with the salary cap. [TSN]
-- The Tampa Bay Lightning have used 50 players this season. 50! [Lightning Strikes]
Friday's Key Games
Blues vs. Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets have already secured their spot in the playoffs, while the Blues look to complete their improbable run, entering action in a three-way tie for the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference. It's worth pointing out that all three teams (St. Louis, Nashville and Anaheim) are in action on Friday. After the Blues take on Columbus on Friday, they close out their regular season on Sunday in Colorado.
Flames vs. Oilers: Ah, yes, the Battle of Alberta. The Oilers may not be making the playoffs this season, but they can still help play spoiler on Friday as they attempt to keep their long-time rivals from winning the Northwest Division.
