Oshie’s late goal gives Caps last playoff spot
PHILADELPHIA — T.J.
Oshie scored into an empty net in the rare situation of a team pulling its goaltender in a tie game, and the Washington Capitals are in the playoffs after beating the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. Philadelphia coach John Tortorella pulled goalie Samuel Ersson for an extra attacker because his team needed to win in regulation to keep its hopes alive. Oshie’s goal with exactly three minutes left came perhaps a minute after Detroit’s goal to force overtime in Montreal actually eliminated the Flyers.
Washington will face the Presidents’ Trophy-winning
New York Rangers in the first round beginning this weekend, returning to the playoffs after a one-year absence ended their eight-year streak.
A recent six-game losing streak looked to have tanked the Caps’ chances, but behind more strong play from goalie Charlie Lindgren, they kept themselves in the race.
■ Canucks 4, Flames 1: At Vancouver, British Columbia, Tyler Myers had a goal and an assist to back Thatcher Demko, who made 39 saves in his first game back from a knee injury as Vancouver clinched the Pacific Division.
■ Jets 4, Kraken 3: At Winnipeg, Manitoba, Kyle Connor scored twice and Tyler Toffoli broke a third-period tie for Winnipeg, which clinched second place in the Central Division and home-ice advantage in its first-round playoff series with Colorado.
■ Panthers 5, Maple Leafs 2: At Sunrise, Fla., Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart scored 10 seconds apart midway through the second period for Florida to clinch the Atlantic Division title.
■ Senators 3, Bruins 1: At Boston, Jiri Smejkal scored his first career goal for Ottawa, which avoided a three-game season series sweep by Boston.
■ Blue Jackets 6, Hurricanes 3: At Columbus, Ohio, Zach Werenski had two goals and two assists to back Jet Greaves, who made 38 saves.
■ Red Wings 5, Canadiens 4: At Montreal, Patrick Kane scored the shootout winner, but Detroit was eliminated from playoff contention.