NHL NEWS APRIL 10 – ZETTERBERG LEADS RED WINGS IN FINAL GAME AT THE JOE

Playing in his 1,000th NHL game, Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg posted 1-1—2 to power the Red Wings to a victory in the final NHL game at Joe Louis Arena, the team’s home since 1979-80.

Zetterberg, who notched an assist in his first game at Joe Louis Arena on Oct. 17, 2002 vs. MTL (his fourth NHL game), became the seventh player to skate in 1,000 career games with the Red Wings franchise. He finished the season with 17-51—68 in 82 GP to lead the Red Wings in scoring.

Riley Sheahan (2-0—2) opened the scoring in the first period and tallied the last goal at The Joe with 2:33 remaining in regulation – his first goals in exactly one year (April 9, 2016 at NYR). In Detroit’s first game in the building on Dec. 27, 1979, Red Wings forwards Dennis Sobchuk (1:43) and Daniel Bolduc (17:46) scored in the second period of a 3-2 loss to the Blues.

LAST DAY OF REGULAR SEASON FINALIZES PLAYOFF PICTURE

One division title, four playoff positions and four First Round matchups were decided during the final day of the regular season.

The Ducks clinched the Pacific Division title by defeating the Kings. They will face the Flames in the First Round of the playoffs, their third all-time postseason meeting. Anaheim defeated Calgary in the 2006 Conference Quarterfinals (4-3 ANA) and 2015 First Round (4-1 ANA).

The Oilers locked in the No. 2 seed in the Pacific Division to set up a First Round series with the Sharks, their second all-time meeting. Edmonton defeated the Sharks in six games in the 2006 Conference Semifinals en route to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Bruins clinched the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Division by virtue of Toronto’s regulation loss to set up a First Round matchup with the Senators, their first all-time postseason meeting.

The Maple Leafs fell to the No. 2 Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference to set up a First Round series with the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Capitals, their first all-time meeting in the postseason.

NHL NEWS APRIL 10 – AND OTHER MUSINGS

• Cam Atkinson (GWG) moved into sole possession of second place on the Blue Jackets’ all-time goals list as Columbus reached the 50-win mark for the first time
• Vladimir Tarasenko scored his 39th goal of the season to finish tied for fourth in the League and establish a career high for points in a season (39-36—75 in 82 GP) as the Blues finished the campaign with a 15-2-2 run
• Kings forward Jarome Iginla (0-1—1) became the 34th player in NHL history to record 1,300 career points (625-675—1,300)
• Panthers goaltender James Reimer (33 saves) closed the season with back-to-back shutouts
• Victor Hedman tallied 1-1—2 to eclipse 300 career points (65-236—301 in 549 GP) and finish the season with 16-56—72 in 79 GP, second among NHL defensemen behind Brent Burns (29-47—76 in 82 GP)
• Oilers forward Jordan Eberle scored his second career hat trick to reach the 20-goal mark
• Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen (1-1—2) became the sixth rookie to reach the 20-goal mark this season, the most since 2010-11 (7)
• Ducks fans gave Kings broadcaster Bob Miller a standing ovation as he called the final game of his Hall of Fame career.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS
Home Team in Caps
DETROIT 4, New Jersey 1
TAMPA BAY 4, Buffalo 2
NY ISLANDERS 4, Ottawa 2
ST. LOUIS 3, Colorado 2
Columbus 3, TORONTO 2
NY RANGERS 3, Pittsburgh 2
Carolina 4, PHILADELPHIA 3 (SO)
Florida 2, WASHINGTON 0
ANAHEIM 4, Los Angeles 3 (OT)
EDMONTON 5, Vancouver 2