NHL: Atlanta keeps playoff hopes alive with win over Carolina
ATLANTA (AP) – With five games remaining, Thrashers coach Bob Hartley has Atlanta’s season in perspective. “Right now, I root for any team that plays against Tampa Bay,” Hartley said. “I think it is only normal at this point. We need help, and any teams that want to chip in, we really appreciate their help.”
Ilya Kovalchuk scored his 51st goal to offset Justin Williams’ two-goal effort and keep Atlanta’s slim playoff hopes alive with a 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.
The Thrashers have won two of three, but remain six points behind Tampa Bay and Montreal, tied for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.
Maple Leafs 5, Flyers 2
PHILADELPHIA – Jeff O’Neill had two of Toronto’s five power-play goals.
The Flyers fell five points behind the Atlantic-Division leading New York Rangers with five games remaining for each, including one meeting between the teams. Philadelphia is fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Mighty Ducks 4, Kings 2
LOS ANGELES – Chris Kunitz scored two goals and Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 25 saves for his 28th victory of the season.
The Ducks can clinch a playoff spot with a win at Vancouver on Monday.
Islanders 5, Capitals 0
UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Alexei Yashin scored two of New York’s three power-play goals in the first period, and the Islanders snapped their season-worst, six-game losing streak by shutting down Alexander Ovechkin and Washington.
Devils 3, Canadiens 2
MONTREAL – Brian Gionta got his 43rd goal and Scott Gomez scored twice – his 29th and 30th – and New Jersey took sole possession of sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
Red Wings 4, B’Jackets 2
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Jason Williams scored the go-ahead goal and Chris Osgood made it stand for the Red Wings.
Brendan Shanahan and Tomas Holmstrom also had goals for Detroit, which cemented its position atop the Presidents’ Trophy standings with 114 points. Chris Chelios added an empty-net goal.
Sabres 6, Senators 2
OTTAWA – Tim Connolly scored two goals and had an assist to lead Buffalo over the Senators.
The win allowed Buffalo to get within six points of Ottawa for the Northeast Division lead. Buffalo has four games left to play while the Senators have five.