Senators shut out Rangers, remain in the playoff race
Ottawa picks up two points behind stellar Hammond
Two months after starting an improbable playoff push, the Ottawa Senators control their postseason destiny heading into the final game of the regular season.
If they either win or gain a point by going to overtime at Philadelphia, or if Boston loses at Tampa Bay, the Senators are in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Not bad for a team that was 14 points out of a wildcard playoff spot in early February.
The Senators gained control of their destiny Thursday night, getting goals from Clarke MacArthur and Kyle Turris in a 1:04 span late in the second period and a 26save performance from the remarkable Andrew Hammond in a 3-0 victory against the host New York Rangers.
“I think this is probably very improbable,” Hammond said after his third shutout.
“The good thing is myself and the team have just taken it one game at a time. As big of a hill as it has been to climb, I don’t think anyone has been overwhelmed.”
The Senators are 22-4-4 since Feb. 10, giving them 97 points in the three-team race for the final two spots in the Eastern Conference.
Boston’s 4-2 loss to Florida and Detroit’s overtime loss to Montreal clinched playoff spots for the Red Wings and Islanders, who both have 98 points.
“I think we rallied and rallied behind a ton of different guys,” Senators forward Mark Stone said.
Hammond has been the difference for Ottawa. The 27-year-old is 19-1-2 since taking over as the starting goaltender Feb. 8, and this victory against the Presidents’ Cup winners avenged his only loss.
Other games
Canadiens 4, Red Wings 3: Lars Eller scored 1:21 into overtime to lift host Montreal to a victory against Detroit, giving Carey Price a team record with his 43rd win of the season.
Panthers 4, Bruins 2: Roberto Luongo earned his 401st career win and Jaromir Jagr got his 1,800th career point, helping Florida beat visiting Boston.
Flames 3, Kings 1: Jiri Hudler scored twice and Calgary clinched an NHL playoff berth for the first time in six years with a win against visiting Los Angeles.
Lightning 4, Devils 3: Tyler Johnson scored his second goal, an overtime power-play effort, and Tampa Bay beat visiting New Jersey.
Hurricanes 3, Flyers 1: Brent Bellemore and Ryan Murphy each scored a goal to lead visiting Carolina past Philadelphia.
Blues 2, Blackhawks 1: Paul Stastny scored the winner to lead host St. Louis past Chicago.
Wild 4, Predators 2: Jason Pominville scored with 2:03 remaining in regulation to give visiting Minnesota a victory against Nashville.
Avalanche 1, Jets 0: Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly scored on Ondrej Pavelec in the shootout to lead Colorado past visiting Winnipeg.
Sharks 3, Oilers 1: Antti Niemi stopped 27 shots to lead visiting San Jose past Edmonton.