Sens stop Hurricanes, clinch berth

Alex Kovalev and Jason Spezza scored in a shootout to cap Ottawa's dramatic 4-3 victory over the visiting Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night that ensured the Senators' return to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Ottawa failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, ending a streak of 11 straight postseason appearances.

Red Wings 3, Blue Jackets 2: Tomas Holmstrom and Pavel Datsyuk each had a goal and an assist and host Detroit held off Columbus.

Capitals 2, Thrashers 1: Matt Bradley's goal broke a third-period tie and Washington beat visiting Atlanta.

Islanders 6, Flyers 4: At Uniondale, N.Y., Blake Comeau scored twice, leading New York past Philadelphia.

Panthers 1, Bruins 0: Scott Clemmensen stopped 36 shots and Florida won at Boston.

Kings 8, Canucks 3: Dustin Brown had three goals and an assist, and Los Angeles routed visiting Vancouver.

Maple Leafs 4, Sabres 2: Luke Schenn's third-period goal broke a 2-all tie and host Toronto beat Buffalo.

Predators 3, Blues 2: Steve Sullivan scored the go-ahead goal at 6:05 of the third, and host Nashville beat St. Louis.