National Hockey League Game Capsules

Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) – Peter Budaj misplayed a harmless Patrick Sharp shot into game winner at 43 seconds of overtime, giving the Chicago Blackhawks a come-from-behind 3-2 victory against the Montreal Canadiens at United Center. Marian Hossa tied the game inside the final minute with the extra attacker, then Sharp won it when his contested, rolling shot from between the circles rolled up Budaj’s stick. Instead of trapping it, the Habs’ netminder tried to shake it away, and the puck was propelled backwards and over the line. Jeremy Morin also tallied and Corey Crawford came up with 28 saves for the Blackhawks, who moved two points back of idle Colorado for second place in the Central Division. Dale Weise and Francis Bouillon scored for the Canadiens, while Budaj took the loss despite 25 stops. Montreal moved three points up on idle Tampa Bay for second in the Atlantic, but the two clubs are assured a first-round matchup.

Final Score: Pittsburgh 4, Detroit 3 (SO)

Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) – Jussi Jokinen scored the lone goal in the shootout to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in a preview of a possible first-round playoff matchup. Jokinen, Pittsburgh’s third skater, entered the zone close to the right boards and weaved his way towards the slot. He lost control of the puck just as Detroit netminder Jonas Gustavsson went for a poke check. The puck bounced up into the air and rolled into the net for the game winner. James Neal scored two power-play goals and Jokinen also scored in regulation for the Penguins, who won the third game in their last four. Matt Niskanen and Paul Martin both supplied two assists and Marc-Andre Fleury turned aside 34 shots in the win. The Penguins got a boost from several players returning to the lineup. Kris Letang returned after missing 10 weeks due to a stroke he suffered on Jan. 29. The 2013 Norris Trophy finalist contributed an assist and logged 22:30 in his first game back. Sidney Crosby, Chris Kunitz, and Olli Maatta were also re-inserted into the lineup. Despite the loss, the Red Wings clinched a playoff berth for the 23rd consecutive season. Tomas Jurco, Jakub Kindl, and Riley Sheahan all lit the lamp as Detroit has not missed out on the postseason since 1990. Gustavsson made 21 saves in the fortunate setback.

Final Score: Columbus 3, Dallas 1

Dallas, TX (SportsNetwork.com) – Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 33 shots — including 17 in the third period — as the Columbus Blue Jackets locked up their first playoff berth since 2009, thanks to a 3-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in the replay of a suspended game from American Airlines Center. The original matchup, begun on March 10, was ended after almost 6 1/2 minutes elapsed in the first period when Stars forward Rich Peverley suffered a cardiac episode on the bench. Wednesday’s game was replayed from the start, but the visitors were allowed to keep their 1-0 lead, thanks to a Nathan Horton goal. Once play resumed, Artem Anisimov and Mark Letestu lit the lamp for the Blue Jackets, who have won three in a row. Columbus is tied with idle Philadelphia and Detroit, which lost in a shootout to Pittsburgh, all with 91 points. New Jersey and Washington were officially eliminated from playoff contention with Columbus’ victory. Trevor Daley provided the sole offense for the Stars, who remained only two points up on idle Phoenix for the second and final wild-card berth in the West. Tim Thomas made 23 saves in defeat.

Final Score: Calgary 4, Los Angeles 3 (SO)

Calgary, AB (SportsNetwork.com) – Sean Monahan supplied the game winner in the fourth round of the shootout, as the Calgary Flames secured a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday at the Saddledome. After the first three shooters came up empty, Marian Gaborik lit the lamp with a wicked wrister over Karri Ramo’s glove, but Jiri Hudler answered with a heavy slapper at the other end to extend the shootout. Ramo then turned away Jeff Carter before Monahan skated in and lifted a shot over Quick’s blocker to put the Flames on top. Mike Richards had a chance to extend the shootout, but his shot missed wide to give Calgary the win. T.J. Galiardi tallied a goal and an assist, while Matt Stajan and Monahan each added a regulation marker for the Flames, who have won four straight games. Ramo registered 41 saves in the victory. Anze Kopitar, Jarret Stoll and Dwight King each scored once for the Kings, who are locked into the third spot in the Pacific Division, despite dropping their third straight game. LA will face the rival Sharks in the first round. Quick made just 15 saves in the setback.

Final Score: Anaheim 5, San Jose 2

Anaheim, CA (SportsNetwork.com) – Patrick Maroon scored twice in a three-goal second period, as the Anaheim Ducks clinched the Pacific Division title with a 5-2 decision over the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center. Corey Perry and Matt Beleskey also lit the lamp for the Ducks, who have won two in a row and finish up their season at Los Angeles Saturday and at home Sunday against Colorado. John Gibson followed up his first NHL shutout with a 36-save win, as Anaheim pulled ahead of idle St. Louis for the top seed in the Western Conference. Jason Demers and Logan Couture provided offense for the Sharks, who are locked into a first-round matchup against the Kings. Antti Niemi took the loss, allowing three goals on 19 shots in almost 30 minutes of action. Alex Stalock finished with nine saves.

Categorized in: NHL