OTHL - - - Ottawa became the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season. They clinched a spot in this years playoffs after a 2-1 win against Toronto. A late goal from Brad Richards (22) gave Ottawa the win, and a place in the playoffs. The Philadelphia Flyers where also in a position to clinch a playoff spot today, but the 3-3 tie against NY Rangers was not enough. But with just 1 point out and a 17 point lead in there division, the Flyers have already taken care of a top 3 seend. Over in the Western Conference the Phoenix Coyotes skid continue today, as they cashed in there 6th straight loss. This time it was the San Jose Sharks that proved to be to tough to beat. The Sharks got a big game from Sergei Samsonov, who had 3 points. The Sharks are now tied with Dallas for the lead in the Pacific Division.
The Stars lost there third straight game today, as the Bolts won 4-2 on home ice. Dallas scored twice in the third period, to tie up the game. But Owen Nolan (29) and Janne Niinimaa (7) scored one each for the home team and put the Bolts infront again. The Stars will most likley make the playoffs anyway, but going into the playoffs with a losing streak is never a good thing. On the other end of the spectrum we find Atlanta, who after the Ilya Kovalchuk trade has found new ways to win games. Today they won there 5th straight game, putting them 3 points behind New Jersey who currently are in 8th place.
Yesterday the Pittsburgh Penguins shocked everyone as they acually won a game. But today things where back to normal as they lost to the Vancouver Canucks (5-2).
PLAYER OF THE DAY: Sergei Samsonov (San Jose) - 2 goals, 1 assist and a +3 rating against Phoenix.
TODAY'S GAMES:
NYR at PHI 3-3
PHX at SJS 2-5
DAL at TBL 2-4
OTT at TOR 2-1
PIT at VAN 2-5
WSH at ATL 1-2
TOMORROW'S GAMES:
Philadelphia at Washington
San Jose at Anaheim
Vancouver at Boston
Toronto at Buffalo
Atlanta at Carolina
StLouis at Chicago