Caps top Habs to take over 8th

Posted: April 01, 2012

The Washington Capitals welcomed back Nicklas Backstrom and took a big step toward the playoffs Saturday night, blowing a two-goal lead for the second game in a rowbefore taking the shootout for a 3-2 win over the visiting Montreal Canadiens.

The result, coupled with Toronto's 4-3 win over Buffalo, moved the Capitals two points clear of the Sabres with three games to play. Washington also moved within two points of Southeast Division leader Florida.

Devils clinch playoff slot

Ilya Kovalchuk had a goal and two assists, Martin Brodeur made 22 saves in his third shutout of the season, and the New Jersey Devils clinched a playoff berth by routing the host Carolina Hurricanes, 5-0. Brodeur's 119th career shutout moved him one victory from another NHL record. His next win will give him 14 seasons with at least 30 wins.

Blackhawks in playoffs

Brent Seabrook scored at 8 minutes, 19 seconds of the third period, and the Chicago Blackhawks clinched a playoff berth by beating the host Nashville Predators, 5-4, after blowing a 4-0 lead.

Chicago pulled within a point of the fourth-place Predators in the Western Conference and tied idle Detroit with 97 points.

Sabres lose to Leafs

Joey Crabb had a goal and an assist, Ben Scrivens made 29 saves and the Toronto Maple Leafs ended a team-record 11-game home losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, who are fighting for a playoff spot.

Islanders eliminated

Brad Marchand snapped a third-period tie with his team-leading 27th goal, and the playoff-bound Boston Bruins ended the New York Islanders' minuscule postseason chances with a 6-3 victory. The defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins lead the Northeast Division.

- Associated Press