Meaningless finale ends in rout

Florida will take on Washington in opening round of playoffs

Cole Caufield had his first NHL hat trick and the Montreal Canadiens routed the Presidents’ Trophy champion Florida Panthers 10-2 on Friday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.

More importantly, the Panthers, who put out a lineup loaded with backups and call-ups in Montreal, learned that they would be playing the Washington Capitals in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

The Capitals, who enter the postseason on a four-game losing streak (0-3-1), played without their star scorer Alex Ovechkin for the final three games of the season. Ovechkin has what has been termed an upper-body injury. There was little pressure for him to play as Washington clinched a playoff spot two weeks ago.

In Friday’s game, Florida’s Jonas Johansson allowed 10 goals on 37 shots.

The Canadiens (22-49-11) scored on their first three shots. Jordan Harris had his first career goal to open the spree, Mike Hoffman tapped in a loose puck in the crease and Caufield scored on a wrist shot.

Brendan Gallagher, Mathieu Perreault, Jake Evans and Christian Dvorak also scored for Montreal.

Ben Chiarot and Noel Acciari scored for Florida (58-18-6).

PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Tuesday: Capitals at Panthers, 7:30 p.m., Bally Sports Florida, ESPN2

Thursday: Capitals at Panthers, 7:30, Bally Sports Florida, TBS

Saturday: Panthers at Capitals, 1, Bally Sports Florida, ESPN

May 9: Panthers at Capitals, 7, Bally Sports Florida, TBS

* May 11: Capitals at Panthers, TBD, Bally Sports Florida

* May 13: Panthers at Capitals, TBD, Bally Sports Florida

* May 15: Capitals at Panthers, TBD, Bally Sports Florida

* if necessary