NHL playoff picture: Sharks make statement vs. Canucks; Flames stay afloat
The San Jose Sharks let the Pacific Division know they aren't out of the race just yet by downing the Vancouver Canucks to keep pace with the Los Angeles Kings, while the Calgary Flames held onto their spot by edging the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime in Tuesday's NHL action.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic
| Team | GP | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal | 63 | 87 |
| Tampa Bay | 65 | 84 |
| Detroit | 61 | 81 |
The Tampa Bay Lightning blanked the Buffalo Sabres to solidify their position behind the Montreal Canadiens.
Metropolitan
| Team | GP | Points |
|---|---|---|
| N.Y. Islanders | 65 | 85 |
| N.Y. Rangers | 62 | 84 |
| Pittsburgh | 62 | 81 |
The New York Islanders fell to the Dallas Stars in overtime, giving the New York Rangers a chance to seize the division lead Wednesday when they face the Detroit Red Wings.
Wild Card
| Team | GP | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 65 | 80 |
| Boston | 62 | 71 |
| Florida | 64 | 69 |
| Philadelphia | 64 | 66 |
| Ottawa | 61 | 65 |
The Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators lost in overtime and the Florida Panthers lost in regulation, missing out on an opportunity to pull even with the idle Boston Bruins.
Western Conference
Central
| Team | GP | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | 65 | 89 |
| St. Louis | 63 | 85 |
| Chicago | 64 | 81 |
The Nashville Predators suffered their fourth consecutive regulation loss and are now tied atop the league in points with the Anaheim Ducks.
Pacific
| Team | GP | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | 65 | 89 |
| Vancouver | 63 | 75 |
| Calgary | 63 | 72 |
Anaheim won its third straight to pull even with Nashville, while Vancouver suffered a setback and Calgary stayed ahead of the Kings and the Sharks with a nail-biting victory.
Wild Card
| Team | GP | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg | 64 | 76 |
| Minnesota | 63 | 75 |
| Los Angeles | 63 | 72 |
| San Jose | 65 | 72 |
The Minnesota Wild tightened their grip on the second wild card spot with a victory over the Senators. Los Angeles and San Jose both remained tied with the Flames as all three teams won their respective contests.