Avalanche 4, Oilers 1: Erik Johnson had a goal and an assist and Colorado beat Edmonton. The win gave Colorado a four-point cushion over idle Chicago for second place in the Central Division and two points up on the Sharks for third in the Western Conference.

Stars 3, Predators 2: Tyler Seguin scored in the fourth round of a shootout and playoff-chasing Dallas eliminated Nashville from postseason contention.

Capitals 4, Blues 1: Alex Ovechkin became the 11th player in NHL history to score 50 or more goals in a season five times, and Washington kept its slim playoff hopes alive. It is Ovechkin's first 50-goal campaign since 2009-10.

Wild 4, Bruins 3: Ilya Bryzgalov denied all three Boston shots in the shootout, lifting the Wild to a victory that clinched a Western Conference wild-card spot.

Blue Jackets 4, Coyotes 3: Ryan Johansen took a stretch pass from James Wisniewski and scored on a wrist shot at 3:33 of overtime to lead Columbus, which tied a franchise record for wins.

Red Wings 4, Sabres 2: Darren Helm scored the go-ahead goal 3:33 into the third period to inch Detroit closer to clinching a playoff berth. The Red Wings moved within a point of securing an Eastern Conference wild-card playoff spot.

Flyers 5, Panthers 2: Claude Giroux scored two goals and Philadelphia clinched a playoff berth.


Lightning 3, Maple Leafs 0: Anders Lindback came off the bench to make 25 saves, and Tampa Bay ended Toronto's playoff hopes.

Senators 4, Islanders 1: Jason Spezza scored twice as Ottawa topped the Islanders.

Rangers 4, Hurricanes 1: The playoff-bound Rangers improved their chances for home-ice advantage in the first round.

Canucks: The Canucks fired president and general manager Mike Gillis a day after being eliminated from playoff contention.