Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

NHL Short Notes

04/07/2015 at 1:33pm EDT

PAVELEC PROPELS JETS BACK INTO PLAYOFF SPOT
Ondrej Pavelec stopped all 32 shots he faced to record his 14th career shutout (third this season) and lead the Jets to their eighth victory in their past 11 games.

* At 41-26-12 (94 points), the Jets leapfrogged the Kings (39-25-15, 93 points) – who lost in a shootout – for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Both teams have three games remaining; Los Angeles holds the ROW tiebreaker (LAK: 37, WPG: 34).


* All 14 of Pavelec’s shutouts have come with the Jets/Thrashers (336 GP). Elias says that ties a franchise record set by Kari Lehtonen (204 GP).

* Pavelec improved to 21-16-7 in 48 appearances this season (2.39 GAA, .917 SV%). That includes an 8-2-0 record in his last 10 outings.

* Blake Wheeler scored his team-leading 26th goal of the season (77 GP), two shy of his career high established in 2013-14 (82 GP). He also posted his career-high sixth game-winning goal of the campaign.

* Drew Stafford supplied the other goal. He has 8-10—18 in 23 games since joining the Jets, compared to 9-15—24 in 50 contests this season with the Sabres.

* The Jets have collected points in six of their last eight meetings with the Wild dating to Nov. 23, 2013 (4-2-2).

LACK, CANUCKS OUTLAST KINGS IN SHOOTOUT
Eddie Lack made 36 saves – and denied all three shootout attempts he faced – to help the Canucks snap a two-game skid overall and finish their season series against the Kings with a 2-3-0 record (LAK: 3-1-1).

* At 46-29-5 (97 points), the Canucks moved four points ahead of both the Flames (43-29-7, 93 points) and Kings (39-25-15, 93 points) for second place in the Pacific Division. Calgary and Los Angeles both hold one game in hand, but Vancouver owns the ROW tiebreaker on both clubs (VAN: 40, CGY: 39, LAK: 37).


* Lack earned his 17th win of the season (40 GP), surpassing his total from his rookie campaign in 2013-14 (41 GP). He has a 2.52 goals-against average, .919 save percentage and one shutout.

* Chris Higgins scored the lone goal in the shootout. He has converted on 3-of-5 attempts (60.0%) this season, including one other game-deciding goal (Oct. 11 vs. EDM).

* Daniel Sedin posted the tying goal with 10:06 remaining in regulation. He leads the team and is tied for eighth in the NHL this season with 18-54—72, his most points since setting a career high and winning the Art Ross Trophy in 2010-11 (41-63—104).

* Brother Henrik Sedin collected the primary assist on the play, becoming the first player in Canucks history to record 700 helpers (211-700—911). He also is the franchise’s all-time leader in points, ahead of only Daniel (325-552—877).

STEPAN POWERS RANGERS PAST BLUE JACKETS
Derek Stepan scored the tying goal with 27.5 seconds remaining in regulation and potted the decisive marker with 49.6 seconds left in overtime to lead the Rangers to their fourth consecutive victory.

* At 51-21-7 (109 points), the Rangers moved two points ahead of the idle Ducks (50-23-7, 107 points) for first place in the NHL standings, where the top seven clubs are separated by seven points.


* The Rangers’ 51 wins and 109 points are tied for the second-highest totals in franchise history, behind only the 1993-94 squad (52-24-8, 112 points).

* The Rangers improved to 25-10-5 this season at home (and 26-11-2 on the road). It marks the first time in franchise history that they have earned at least 25 home and road wins in the same season.

* Stepan (2-1—3) recorded his fourth multi-goal game and sixth three-point performance of the season. He ranks third on the club with 16-39—55 (65 GP), two points shy of his career high despite missing 14 contests.

* Per Elias, Stepan became the first player in Rangers history to register an overtime goal after also scoring the tying goal in the final minute of the third period (since the current overtime format was implemented in 1983-84). One other player has accomplished that feat this season: Bruins forward Brad Marchand on March 7 vs. PHI.

* Chris Kreider (0-2—2) also posted multiple points, while Dan Girardi and Martin St. Louis supplied the other goals.

* Henrik Lundqvist made 29 saves to stretch his personal winning streak to four games (1.97 GAA, .938 SV%). He also improved to 29-12-3 in 44 appearances this season (2.26 GAA, .923 SV%, 5 SO).

* The Rangers improved to 6-2-1 in their last nine meetings with the Blue Jackets dating to Feb. 19, 2012.

BENN LIFTS STARS OVER SHARKS
Jamie Benn posted 2-1—3, his second such performance in the past week (also Fridayvs. STL), to power the Stars to their second straight win overall and their first victory over the Sharks since Oct. 17, 2013 (0-2-2).

* The Stars improved to 23-15-2 this season as visitors, including a 7-1-0 mark in their last eight such games. Their 23 road wins are tied for second in franchise history, behind only the 2005-06 squad (25-12-4).

* Benn recorded his seventh multi-goal and three-point performances of the season. He shares second in the NHL with 32-48—80, his most assists and points in any campaign.

* Tyler Seguin collected two assists to extend his point streak to five games (4-5—9). He ranks second on the club with 37-39—76 this season (70 GP); his average of 1.09 points per game also ranks second in the NHL to Sidney Crosby (27-54—81 in 74 GP).

* Jason Spezza also registered two assists, while Patrick Eaves, Ryan Garbutt andColton Sceviour provided the other goals.

* Jhonas Enroth made 23 saves to pick up his career-high 16th win of the season (and third w/ DAL). He improved to 3-0-0 in four career appearances vs. SJS (1.24 GAA, .956 SV%).

LINDBACK, SABRES HOLD OFF HURRICANES
The Sabres raced to a 4-0 lead and held off the Hurricanes – behind a career-high 49 saves from Anders Lindback – to earn their third victory in their last five outings.

* Lindback topped his previous career high of 44 saves, set on March 17 at BOS (2-1 SO W). He has four victories and a .923 save percentage since joining the Sabres onFeb. 11 (14 GP).

* Tyler Ennis (1-1—2) reached the 20-goal milestone for the third time (and second straight season). His 45 points are his second-highest total in one season, behind his rookie campaign in 2010-11 (20-29—49).

* Brian Gionta also notched 1-1—2. He has posted five multi-point performances in his last eight outings, totaling 5-6—11 in that span.

* Johan Larsson (1-1—2) and Zach Bogosian (0-2—2) added multiple points. Mikhail Grigorenko scored the other goal.

LOOSE PUCKS
Despite suffering the shootout loss, the Kings (39-25-15, 93 points) tied the idle Flames (43-29-7, 93 points) – in terms of points – for third place in the Pacific Division. Calgary, however, owns the ROW tiebreaker (CGY: 39, LAK: 37) . . . The Blue Jackets saw their franchise-record winning streak end at nine games, but extended their overall point streak to 10 contests (9-0-1) . . . The Blue Jackets also suffered their first road loss since March 1, snapping their franchise-record road winning streak at eight games . . . Making his 38th consecutive start (and franchise-record 37th straight w/ MIN), Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk stopped 32 shots . . . Hurricanes captain Eric Staal (1-1—2) recorded his 10th multi-point performance of the season. Teammate John-Michael Liles (0-2—2) also posted multiple points . . . Blue Jackets forward Brandon Dubinskyscored to extend his point streak to a career-high five games (3-4—7) . . . Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick made 37 saves, but fell to 18-6-2 in his last 26 starts dating to Feb. 7 (1.91 GAA, .928 SV%, 3 SO) . . . Sharks forward Joe Thornton scored for the second straight game. He has 18-46—64 in 65 career games vs. DAL . . . Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner played in his 100th NHL game . . . Stars defenseman Jason Demers posted one assist in his return to SAP Center. A seventh-round selection (186th overall) by the Sharks in the 2008 NHL Draft, Demers played his first 300 games for San Jose (16-82—98) before a Nov. 21 trade.

TUESDAY’S CLINCHING SCENARIOS
There are several scenarios for today’s games:

* The Rangers would clinch the Presidents’ Trophy if they defeat the Devils in any fashion.

* The Rangers would clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference if they get at least one point against the Devils.

# # #

* The Islanders would clinch a playoff berth if they get at least one point against the Flyers OR if the Senators lose to the Penguins in any fashion.

# # #

* The Penguins would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Senators in regulation.

# # #

* The Red Wings would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Hurricanes in any fashion AND the Senators lose to the Penguins in regulation.

# # #

* The Wild would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Blackhawks in regulation OR if they win in a shootout AND any of the following occurs:

  • the Flames fail to win in regulation or overtime;
  • the Jets lose in any fashion; or
  • the Kings lose in any fashion.

* The Wild also would clinch a playoff berth if they lose to the Blackhawks in overtime or a shootout AND any of the following occurs:

  • the Kings lose in regulation;
  • the Kings lose in overtime or a shootout AND the Jets lose in regulation;
  • both the Flames and Kings lose in any fashion; or
  • the Flames lose in any fashion AND the Jets lose in regulation.

* If the Wild lose to the Blackhawks in regulation, they would clinch a playoff berth if both the Flames and Kings lose in regulation.

# # #

* The Canucks (idle) would clinch a playoff berth if any of the following occurs:

  • the Kings lose in regulation;
  • the Kings lose in overtime or a shootout AND the Flames lose in regulation;
  • the Kings lose in overtime or a shootout AND the Flames fail to win in regulation or overtime AND the Jets lose in regulation; or
  • both the Flames and the Jets lose in regulation.

SNEAK PEEK AT TUESDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
NY Rangers @ New Jersey, 7:00 p.m., TVA, MSG, MSG+
NY Islanders @ Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m., SNE, SNO, SNP, MSG+ 2, CSN-PH
Pittsburgh @ Ottawa, 7:30 p.m., ROOT, TSN5, RDS
Carolina @ Detroit, 7:30 p.m., FS-CR, FS-D
Winnipeg @ St. Louis, 8:00 p.m., TSN3, FS-MW+
Minnesota @ Chicago, 8:30 p.m., NBCSN, CSN-CH
Nashville @ Colorado, 9:00 p.m., SPSO, ALT
Arizona @ Calgary, 9:00 p.m., SNW
Los Angeles @ Edmonton, 9:30 p.m., SN1, SNE, SNO, SNP, PRIME
NBCSN Channel Finder
Sportsnet Channel Finder

SENATORS FACE PENGUINS IN WILD CARD SHOWDOWN
The Senators, who sit two points back of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, will try to improve their playoff hopes when they welcome the Penguins to Canadian Tire Centre. At 40-26-13 (93 points), Ottawa trails both Pittsburgh (42-26-11, 95 points) and Detroit (41-25-13, 95 points) by two points for the Wild Card berths in the Eastern Conference. Though all three clubs have three games remaining, the Penguins and Red Wings also lead in the ROW tiebreaker (PIT: 38, DET: 37, OTT: 34). This marks the third and final meeting of the season between Ottawa and Pittsburgh; the Penguins have won the first two and six of their last eight matchups in the regular season dating to Jan. 27, 2013 (6-1-1). Overall, Ottawa is 3-0-1 in its last four outings, while Pittsburgh has dropped three straight – all in regulation.

MORE GAMES WITH PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS
Every other game on Tuesday’s schedule also will have an impact on the race to the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

* The Rangers (51-21-7, 109 points) will try to lock up the Presidents’ Trophy and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs when they visit the Devils at Prudential Center. New York has won five straight in the head-to-head series dating to Jan. 26, 2014, including a 6-1 victory on Saturday. Overall, the Rangers have won four in a row, while the Devils are 1-5-2 in their last eight.

* The Islanders (46-27-6, 98 points) will attempt to clinch their second postseason berth in the past three years when they face the Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. New York has won four straight in the head-to-head series dating to Jan. 20, 2014, including all three of their meetings this season. Overall, the Islanders are 2-0-1 in their past three games, while the Flyers have picked up points in six straight (3-0-3).

* The Red Wings (41-25-13, 95 points) will try to climb the Atlantic Division ladder and clinch their 24th consecutive playoff berth when they play host to the Hurricanes at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit has gone 7-2-0 in the last nine meetings between these clubs dating to Dec. 9, 2007. Overall, both the Red Wings (1-3-1) and Hurricanes (1-3-1) have dropped four of their last five contests.

* The Jets (41-26-12, 94 points) will continue their postseason push when they visit the Central Division-leading Blues (49-23-7, 105 points) at Scottrade Center. Winnipeg currently holds a one-point lead over Los Angeles (39-25-15, 93 points) for the final Wild Card berth in the Western Conference, but the Kings own the ROW tiebreaker (LAK: 37, WPG: 34). This marks the fifth and final meeting of the season between these divisional foes; the Blues are 3-0-1 (WPG: 1-2-1) and have earned at least one point in 13 straight meetings dating to Nov. 8, 2009 (10-0-3).

* The Wild (44-27-8, 96 points) will try to lock up their third consecutive playoff berth when they face the rival Blackhawks (48-25-6, 102 points) at United Center. This marks the fifth and final meeting of the season between these divisional opponents; Chicago has won three of the first four, but Minnesota picked up a 3-0 victory in their most recent matchup on Feb. 3. Overall, the Wild have dropped three straight (0-2-1) – including a 2-0 loss on Monday vs. WPG – while the Blackhawks are 4-1-0 in their last five.

* The Predators (47-22-10, 104 points) will attempt to take over first place in the Central Division when they visit the Avalanche at Pepsi Center. Nashville currently trails St. Louis (49-23-7, 105 points) by one point for the division lead, but owns the ROW tiebreaker (NSH: 41, STL: 40). Overall, the Predators have earned points in seven of their last eight outings (4-1-3) – though they have dropped three straight – while the Avalanche have lost three of their past four.

* The Flames (43-29-7, 93 points) will try to maintain their postseason position when they play host to the Coyotes at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary currently is tied with Los Angeles (39-25-15, 93 points) for third place in the Pacific Division, but occupies a playoff spot by virtue of the ROW tiebreaker (CGY: 39, LAK: 37). Overall, the Flames have won three of their last four contests, while the Coyotes are 3-3-0 in their past six. Calgary has won all four meetings between these teams this season.

* The Kings (39-25-15, 93 points) will attempt to rejoin the playoff picture when they visit the Oilers at Rexall Place. Los Angeles currently sits one point back of Winnipeg (41-26-12, 94 points) for the final Wild Card berth in the Western Conference and is tied with Calgary (43-29-7, 93 points) for third place in the Pacific Division – though the Flames sit in a postseason spot by virtue of the ROW tiebreaker (CGY: 39, LAK: 37). The Kings own a 14-game point streak versus the Oilers dating to Jan. 15, 2012 (11-0-3). Overall, they are 2-0-1 in their last three games, while Edmonton has lost three straight.

Thanks to the NHL PR department for the above information.

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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