TODAY’S CLINCHING SCENARIOS – NY RANGERS AND PREDATORS.

The NY Rangers (43-24-9, 95 points) attempt to clinch their sixth consecutive playoff berth when they visit the Hurricanes (33-28-16, 82 points) at PNC Arena. This game marks the return of former captain Eric Staal to Carolina. Staal, the second overall selection by the Hurricanes in the 2003 NHL Draft, ranks second in franchise history in goals (322), assists (453) and points (775) as well as third in games played (909). He also led the team with 9-19—28 during its run to the 2005-06 Stanley Cup. The Rangers will clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Hurricanes in regulation or overtime.

The Predators will clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Penguins in any fashion.

MILESTONES & MUSINGS

• Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his League-leading 44th goal of the season. He also moved past Dale Hawerchuk (518) and into sole possession of 35th place in NHL history with his 519th career goal.
• Flames forward Hunter Shinkaruk, the 24th overall selection by the Canucks in the 2013 NHL Draft, potted his first career goal (3 GP).
• Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds (0-1—1) played in his 600th NHL game.
• Flames captain Mark Giordano (1-1—2) became the fifth defenseman in franchise history to reach the 20-goal milestone and first to do so since 2005-06 (Dion Phaneuf: 20)
• The Department of Player Safety suspended Canucks forward Jake Virtanen for two games for interference against Sharks defenseman Roman Polak

MAPLE LEAFS ROSTER MOVES

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Thursday that the team has recalled forwards Kasperi Kapanen and Tobias Lindberg as well as defencemen Andrew Campbell and T.J. Brennan from the Toronto Marlies. Kapanen, Lindberg and Brennan’s recalls are on an emergency basis. The club has also loaned Connor Brown, Zach Hyman, Rinat Valiev and Connor Carrick to the Marlies.

Kapanen, 19, has appeared in four regular season games with the Maple Leafs this season. The Kuopio, Finland native has also registered 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 41 games with the Marlies.

Lindberg, 20, has split the season between the Toronto Marlies and Binghamton Senators, tallying 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 53 total games. The Stockholm, Sweden native was acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators on February 9, 2016 and has yet to make his NHL debut.

Campbell, 28, is in his first season as captain of the Toronto Marlies and has notched 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 65 regular season games. The Caledonia, Ontario native has appeared in 36 career NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes.

Brennan, 26, has skated in one game with the Maple Leafs and 67 games with the Marlies this season. The Moorestown, New Jersey native continues to lead the Marlies in scoring with 67 points (24 goals, 43 assists) this season.

 

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
Home Team in Caps
Ottawa 2, WINNIPEG 1
PHILADELPHIA 2, Washington 1 (SO)
ANAHEIM 8, Calgary 3
SNEAK PEEK AT THURSDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
Toronto @ Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.
Columbus @ NY Islanders, 7:00 p.m.
Nashville @ Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.
NY Rangers @ Carolina, 7:00 p.m.
Montreal @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
New Jersey @ Florida, 7:30 p.m.
Ottawa @ Minnesota, 8:00 p.m.
Arizona @ Dallas, 8:30 p.m
Calgary @ Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
Vancouver @ San Jose, 10:30 p.m.