Rest in peace, #Lumbus. We hardly knew ye.
We have one more game to go, but the playoff fields for the NHL are set. And honestly, the cast of characters this year pretty much proves predictions are a waste of time. The Islanders, Maple Leafs, Jets and Wild are in. The Predators, Coyotes, Flyers and Devils are out.
See kids? This is why we don't gamble.
All The NHL Scores
Get caught up on Saturday's NHL scores with recaps from our network of SB Nation team blogs. Here's a quick glance at the full day of action:
Rangers 4, Devils 0
Canadiens 4, Maple Leafs 1
Flyers 2, Senators 1
Capitals 3, Bruins 2 (OT)
Panthers 5, Lightning 3
Blue Jackets 3, Predators 1
Red Wings 3, Stars 0
Penguins 8, Hurricanes 3
Wild 3, Avalanche 1
Blues 3, Blackhawks 1
Oilers 7, Canucks 2
Coyotes 5, Ducks 3
Kings 3, Sharks 2
Five Answers
Prior to Saturday's games, we presented five burning questions regarding the day's action. Here are your cool, soothing answers.
1. It's all come down to this: Who will get the final two playoff spots in the Western Conference?
For all the drama and scenarios thrown around heading into Saturday night, the path for Minnesota and Detroit to make the playoffs couldn't be more simple: win and you're in. They did exactly that, with relative ease. Detroit didn't face much of a test against the Stars, who looked about as defeated as a team could look. And the Wild didn't have much trouble, defending a 2-1 lead late against the hapless Avalanche.
Unfortunately, the two wins means no more #Lumbus. Sad face, indeed.
2. Who gets the last seed for home-ice advantage in the West?
The Blues pulled off a somewhat surprising 3-1 win against the Blackhawks, ensuring they'll have home-ice advantage when they play the Kings in the first round.
3. How many of the Eastern Conference playoff seeds will be determined tonight?
Take it away, Bob...
If BOS beats OTT in regulation Sun, it's PIT-OTT, BOS-NYI, WSH-NYR, MTL-TOR. If BOS wins in OT/SO, it's PIT-NYI, BOS-OTT, WSH-NYR, MTL-TOR.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 28, 2013
If BOS loses, it's PIT-NYI, MTL-OTT, WSH-NYR, BOS-TOR. Only WSH-NYR is a set matchup at this point.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 28, 2013
4. Will Boston finally lock down the Northeast Division crown?
Of course not. You just knew this was going to come down to the last day the way the Habs and Bruins have traded the division lead back and forth all season. A win on Sunday would mean the Bruins can finally be crowned and play either the Islanders or Senators in the playoffs.
5. Can Steven Stamkos overtake Martin St. Louis to win the Art Ross Trophy?
And the winner is ... St. Louis! His goal and assist helped him end the season with 60 points, three ahead of his teammate. But they're not in the playoffs so, y'know, whatever.
Impact Moment of the Night
What moment from Saturday night's games will be making headlines in the coming days?
The sudden implosion of the dying star named Roberto Luongo (five goals allowed in the last five minutes and change against Edmonton) has to worry every Canucks fan considering he might be starting Game 1 in lieu of Cory Schneider.
Stat of the Night
Speaking of that whole "no playoffs" thing:
Stamkos & St. Louis are going to be first teammates to go 1-2 in scoring for a club that misses the playoffs since '49. @NHLonNBCSports
— Liam McHugh (@liam_mchugh) April 27, 2013
Post to Post
- Is Joe Nieuwendyk done for in Dallas?
- #Lumbus. One tear.
- WILD FANS ARE REALLY EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EXCLAMATION POINTS.
- Finally, this is what's left of the Jackets' rink just hours after their playoff hopes were still alive:
Gettin’ ugly now. #sadtrombone #CBJ pic.twitter.com/eNCQZU5OiK
— Shawn Mitchell (@smitchcd) April 27, 2013
More in the NHL:
• A day in the life of an off-ice official
• On being wrong about the Blue Jackets
• Six (!) outdoor games in 2014
• The best of our hockey network