18.04.2025
Los Angeles Kings 1 - 5 Calgary Flames
In a dominant performance, the Calgary Flames defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-1 at Crypto.com Arena, concluding their season with a four-game winning streak and an eight-game point streak. Notably, Sam Morton and Zayne Parekh each scored in their NHL debuts for Calgary, contributing to the impressive win. Nazem Kadri also stood out, scoring twice to reach a career-high 35 goals in his 16th NHL season. Mikael Backlund added a goal and an assist, while goalie Dan Vladar made 30 saves for the Flames. The Kings’ only goal came from Taylor Ward, who also scored in his NHL debut. Despite the loss, the Kings are set to face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Calgary forward Adam Klapka left the game early due to an apparent injury from a hit in the third period.
Buffalo Sabres 5 - 4 Philadelphia Flyers
In a thrilling game at KeyBank Center, the Buffalo Sabres secured a 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, marking a significant milestone for Lindy Ruff as he achieved his 900th NHL win, becoming only the fifth coach in history to do so. The Sabres were led by contributions from Ryan McLeod, who notched a goal and two assists, and Alex Tuch, who continued his impressive season with a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, the Flyers saw strong performances from rookies Matvei Michkov and Tyson Foerster, with Michkov scoring twice to end his season as the leading rookie goal scorer with 26 goals. The game saw a mix of young talent and veteran leadership on display, as the Sabres ended a four-game losing streak with the win and the Flyers demonstrated resilience despite the loss. The matchup was also notable for Tuch's record-setting 113 blocked shots in a season for a forward, while Ruff attributed his milestone victory to teamwork and a supportive environment throughout his career.
Toronto Maple Leafs - - - Detroit Red Wings
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Ottawa Senators 7 - 5 Carolina Hurricanes
In an exhilarating game at the Canadian Tire Centre, the Ottawa Senators stormed back with four goals in the third period to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 7-5, despite initially trailing after a 3-0 lead. Drake Batherson shined with two goals and an assist, including the pivotal go-ahead goal, as the Senators wrapped up their regular season on a high note, finishing 6-1-1 in their last eight games. Adam Gaudette also played a key role with two goals, while Dylan Cozens and Tim Stutzle contributed with multiple points each. Notably, Skyler Brind'Amour scored his first NHL goal for the Hurricanes, coached by his father, Rod Brind'Amour, becoming the fifth player to achieve this feat under a family coach. Goalie Linus Ullmark made 28 saves for Ottawa, countering Carolina's late offensive push. Brady Tkachuk, returning from injury, was cautiously rested during the third period but assured he was ready for the playoffs. This victory underscores the Senators' resilience as they head into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
New York Rangers 4 - 0 Tampa Bay Lightning
Shesterkin makes 27 saves, Rangers shut out Lightning
NEW YORK --
The Rangers (39-36-7) are not going to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after winning the Presidents' Trophy last season. They were eliminated from playoff contention on April 12.
"Any time you get to win a hockey game it's fun," Zibanejad said. "It's way more fun to leave the rink having won the last game than playing poorly and gotten killed out there. I'm just happy we won. … It was the best way you could end a season like this."
The Lightning (47-27-8) will play the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference First Round. It's the third time in four years the Lightning and Panthers will meet in the playoffs.
Game 1 is at Amalie Arena on Tuesday.
"There is nothing that (Panthers coach) Paul (Maurice) doesn't know about us and I don't know about them," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. "Maybe who is going to be in the lineup for them in Game 1, but other than that there's no secrets. The rep of the East has been the two of us for a half decade. The way the schedule sets up and the Battle of Florida happens it can be must-watch TV. It should be a lot of fun."
The Lightning got a scare early in the second period when
But Kucherov, who won the Art Ross Trophy as the League's leading scorer this season with 121 points, was able to gather himself and stay in the game, although he played a season-low 13:43.
"It's hard to explain when you're kind of playing out the string here and naturally you don't want anybody to get hurt," Cooper said. "They're just tough games to play in. All of a sudden you're watching your habits slip a little bit. Guys, they're not tiptoeing around the ice, but everybody knows what's at stake and both teams did. In the end, it's probably how it's supposed to be; Game 82, the home team won and they got to celebrate with their fans out there. Now we've got to go home and prep for what hopefully will be a long playoff run."
Trocheck put the Rangers ahead 1-0 with a short-handed goal at 1:02 of the second period off a give-and-go with
Trocheck got the puck at the right point off a Lightning defensive zone turnover. He chipped it around Nikita Kucherov and took it into the right face-off circle, found Miller in the high slot and immediately got the puck back to score glove side from low in the circle.
It was Trocheck's fourth short-handed goal in the past nine games. The Rangers finished with a League-high 18 short-handed goals. Trocheck accounted for six, tied for the NHL lead with Buffalo Sabres forward
Kreider made it 2-0 at 4:02 of the third period, scoring with a shot over Johansson's glove from between the circles after his initial shot was blocked by
Zibanejad scored with a one-timer from the left circle to make it 3-0 at 12:50. He added another at 16:24, getting a piece of Kreider's shot from the right boards for his 20th goal of the season and the 4-0 final.
"Kind of empty," Zibanejad said of how he feels now that the season is over. "Coming into the rink this afternoon with the weather being like it is, I'm used to gearing up for playoffs, but that's not the case now."
It is for the Lightning.
"Now it starts," Tampa Bay forward
NOTES: Zibanejad's two goals give him 250 as a Ranger, tying him with Mark Messier for the eighth-most in team history. … It's also Zibanejad's eighth straight 20-goal season, tied for the longest streak in team history with
Pittsburgh Penguins 5 - 2 Washington Capitals
In a spirited clash at PPG Paints Arena, the Pittsburgh Penguins triumphed 5-2 over the Washington Capitals, highlighted by Bryan Rust's two goals, marking his first 30-goal season in his 11-year NHL career. Rust expressed pride in reaching this milestone, which was complemented by key contributions from Sidney Crosby and Philip Tomasino, each adding a goal and an assist. Despite missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year, Pittsburgh witnessed notable performances, including Crosby reaching 90 points for the third straight season after turning 35—an NHL rarity since Joe Sakic in 2006-07. For Washington, Alex Ovechkin's power-play goal brought his total to 897, extending his League record, yet their focus shifted to the upcoming playoff series against Montreal. Rookie goaltender Clay Stevenson had a commendable debut with 33 saves, despite the loss, while Ville Koivunen's near-goal was disallowed, showcasing the high stakes and pace of the NHL. The game underscored the enduring legacy and excitement surrounding the Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry, as acknowledged by Penguins coach Mike Sullivan.
Columbus Blue Jackets 6 - 1 New York Islanders
The Columbus Blue Jackets concluded their season with a dominant 6-1 victory over the New York Islanders, marking their sixth consecutive win. Goaltender Jet Greaves was instrumental, making 36 saves and securing his fifth straight win since being called up as an emergency replacement. The Blue Jackets dismantled the Islanders with a five-goal second period, highlighted by contributions from Cole Sillinger and Zach Werenski, who both recorded a goal and an assist. Although Columbus was eliminated from playoff contention, the win showcased the team's resilience and growth throughout the season, with fans witnessing impressive performances from emerging talents like Dmitri Voronkov and Adam Fantilli, who extended his goal streak to four games. Meanwhile, the Islanders, already out of playoff contention, were unable to capitalize on their chances despite Captain Anders Lee acknowledging Greaves' strong play in net. Notably, the game featured milestones, including Kyle Palmieri's 900th NHL game and Simon Holmstrom's 200th.