NHL roundup: Detroit Red Wings claim huge win over Montreal Canadiens
Thursday had a busy day of hockey as the race for the playoffs intensifies. Here is a look back at a couple of the results.
Needing to rediscover their form, the Detroit Red Wings earned a vital 3-1 success over the visiting Montreal Canadiens.
The game’s first goal did not come until 2:15 was left in the second, before Juraj Slafkovsky netted a power play for the Habs to put them in front.
They could not hold on though, as the Red Wings responded two minutes after intermission through J.T. Compher. A third period where both teams had 18 shots each, it was a tight affair in what was a key match in the season. However, the hosts found their way in the final moments.
Alex De Brincat scored what proved to be the winner with 3:27 left in regulation time. That had Montreal pushing for a leveller. Unfortuantely for them, that never came, as Andrew Copp ended the contest with an empty netter in the final moments.
Detroit have won back-to-back games, and are among four teams – which include the Canadiens – in a tie on 84 points. It was a third loss in their last four for the Habs, who have lost ground on the three teams above them.
The Ottawa Senators kept their postseason hopes alive with a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders.
They had to do it the hard way though, as they found themselves behind twice. Matthew Schaefer gave the Islanders the advantage 4:45 into the second, with the rookie notching his 50th point of the season.
Shane Pinto responded midway through the frame for Ottawa, despite being in a shorthanded situation. It left the third period quite fascinating as the game was in the balance.
It would be New York who would retake the lead via Brayden Schenn as they looked to extend their winning streak. But, back came the Sens, who levelled through Warren Foegele three minutes later.
The hosts found their winner with 13 seconds to go. Brady Tkachuk was the hero, as he finished off Jordan Spence‘s pass to get the go-ahead goal with virtually no time left.
The Sens, winners of three of their last four, are just four points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final playoff berth. The Islanders, meanwhile, are on the outside looking in, as they are level with Columbus, but sit in ninth.
Other results
Columbus Blue Jackets 6-3 New York Rangers
Boston Bruins 6-1 Winnipeg Jets
Minnesota Wild 1-2 Chicago Blackhawks
Nashville Predators 3-1 Seattle Kraken
Edmonton Oilers 0-4 Florida Panthers
San Jose Sharks 0-5 Buffalo Sabres
Vancouver Canucks 2-6 Tampa Bay Lightning
Vegas Golden Knights 0-4 Utah Mammoth
