The Buffalo Sabres are in. The San Jose Sharks are close. The Dallas Stars have to wait, which is more than can be said for the Montreal Canadiens.
For the first time in 25 years, the Canadiens will be watching the NHL playoffs on television after having been eliminated from a chance at postseason play Monday night by the Sabres.The last time Montreal missed the playoffs was 1970, when the Canadiens came to the final game needing to score five goals and lost 10-3 to the Chicago Blackhawks.
"I didn't want to be in the record books for missing the playoffs for the first time in 25 years," Montreal forward Lyle Odelein said. While Buffalo clinched a playoff berth, the Boston Bruins grabbed home-ice advantage and Edmonton and Winnipeg joined Montreal on the extended vacation line.
Richard Smehlik scored 3:59 into the game, and Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek made it stand up, stopping 32 shots for his fifth shutout of the season. Alexander Mogilny scored the insurance goal with 3:56 remaining in the game.
Sharks 3, Stars 1
Pat Falloon scored twice early in the third period as San Jose, playing at home, moved within a win of the playoffs. Arturs Irbe stopped 37 shots for the Sharks, who can clinch a playoff spot with a win Wednesday night at home against Vancouver in their regular-season finale.
The Sharks also are assured of a spot if Los Angeles loses either tonight at Winnipeg or Wednesday at Chicago.
Dallas, which completed its regular-season schedule with four straight losses, still has a shot at a playoff spot, but must depend on someone else.
Bruins 5, Senators 4
Ray Bourque and Mats Naslund each had a goal and an assist as Boston clinched home ice for the first round.
Blackhawks 3, Jets 2
In Chicago, Murray Craven's goal with 7:05 remaining in the third period snapped a tie and propelled the Blackhawks to their fourth straight victory.
Maple Leafs 6, Oilers 5
Mats Sundin's 23rd goal of the season erased a remarkable Edmonton comeback and gave visiting Toronto the victory. The loss eliminated the Oilers from the playoffs.
Blues 5, Mighty Ducks 3
Brendan Shanahan broke a tie with his second goal of the game midway through the third period, and visiting St. Louis beat Anaheim for the sixth straight time.