OSHIE’S HAT TRICK HELPS CAPITALS PUNCH TICKET TO THE POSTSEASON
T.J. Oshie (3-1—4) scored the third regular-season hat trick of his NHL career to help the Capitals become the first team to clinch a berth in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their 27th postseason appearance in franchise history and ninth in the past 10 seasons.
At 46-17-8 (100 points), the League-leading Capitals reached the 100-point mark for the 10th time in franchise history and third consecutive season. Oshie, who equaled a career high for points in a game, has collected 29-20—49 in 2016-17 (58 GP) to establish a personal best for goals in a season. Nicklas Backstrom (0-4—4) matched a career high with four helpers to reach 54 assists and move within one of tying Connor McDavid for the League lead.
BLACKHAWKS CLINCH NINTH CONSECUTIVE POSTSEASON APPEARANCE
The Blackhawks scored five unanswered goals in the third period – including three in a span of 34 seconds – to become the first Western Conference team to clinch a berth in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their ninth consecutive postseason appearance and 62nd in franchise history. Chicago’s three markers in 34 seconds were the third-fastest trio of goals scored in franchise history, behind 21 seconds (March 23, 1952 at NYR) and 30 seconds (Oct. 15, 1983 at TOR).
The Blackhawks (47-20-5, 99 points) extended their win streak to five games and increased their lead to seven points atop the Western Conference and Central Division standings. Chicago also moved within a point of reaching the 100-point plateau for the fourth straight season. Jonathan Toews (2-0—2) has reached the 20-goal mark in each of his first 10 NHL seasons. Elias notes that Toews became the sixth player in Blackhawks history to reach the 20-goal mark in 10 or more seasons, joining Stan Mikita (14), Bobby Hull (13), Steve Larmer (11), Denis Savard (10) and Patrick Kane (10). Toews also joined Savard (1980-81 to 1989-90) and Kane (2007-08 to 2016-17) as the only players in franchise history to score 20 or more goals in each of their first 10 NHL seasons.
BLUE JACKETS CLINCH THIRD POSTSEASON BERTH IN FRANCHISE HISTORY
Lukas Sedlak (SHG) and Brandon Dubinsky each scored penalty shot goals to help the Blue Jackets clinch a berth in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their third postseason appearance in franchise history (also 2009 and 2014).
At 47-18-6 (100 points), the Blue Jackets reached the 100-point mark for the first time in the franchise’s 17-year history and extended their club record for wins in a season. Columbus became the third team in NHL history to score two penalty shot goals in a game, joining Vancouver (Feb. 11, 1982 at DET) and San Jose (Dec. 30, 2009 vs. WSH). Boone Jenner (2-0—2) scored his second shorthanded goal of the season (third career). The Blue Jackets matched a franchise record with two shorthanded goals in a game, achieved Feb. 24, 2007 at NYR and March 22, 2011 at COL. Sergei Bobrovsky (35 saves) improved to 7-0-0 in March (1.14 GAA, .963 SV%, 3 SO) and registered his League-leading 39th win of the season.
Jack Eichel scored to reach the 50-point milestone for the second time in as many seasons (21-29—50) and help the Sabres earn a win in their final visit to Joe Louis Arena . . . Kari Lehtonen (30 saves) posted his 36th career shutout as the Stars hostedVeterans Appreciation Night . . . Brad Marchand (37-43—80) collected an assist to become the first Bruins player to reach the 80-point mark in a season since Marc Savardin 2008-09 (25-63—88) . . . William Nylander (2-6—8 in 8 GP) and Viktor Arvidsson (4-2—6 in 5 GP) each extended point streaks . . . Sabres defenseman Brady Austin made his NHL debut . . . The Red Wings honored former forward Dallas Drake in a pre-game ceremony at Joe Louis Arena .
* Information provided via NHL Press Release
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