NHL ROUNDUP : Sharks Swim Near Western Playoff Spot

The Sharks got two goals by Pat Falloon early in the third period, and they also got a playoff boost with a 3-1 victory over Dallas on Monday night in San Jose.

Arturs Irbe stopped 37 shots for the Sharks, who can clinch a playoff spot with a victory Wednesday night at home against Vancouver in their regular-season finale. They also are assured of a spot if the Kings lose tonight at Winnipeg or Wednesday at Chicago.

San Jose’s victory eliminated two contenders: Winnipeg and Edmonton.

“Ain’t no fat lady singing here tonight,” said a sign held by a man in a Sharks sweatshirt.

Toronto 6, Edmonton 5--The Oilers came back from a 4-1 first-period deficit at Edmonton, tied the game, 5-5, then were finished by Mats Sundin’s 23rd goal of the season on a power play with 4:09 to play.

Chicago 3, Winnipeg 2--Left winger Murray Craven’s goal with 7:05 remaining in the third period in Chicago snapped a tie, sent the Blackhawks to their fourth consecutive victory and pretty much sealed the Jets’ playoff fate.

Buffalo 2, Montreal 0--Goals by Richard Smehlik and Alexander Mogilny at Buffalo gave the Sabres a victory and playoff spot and eliminated the Canadiens from playoff participation for the first time in 25 years.

Boston 5, Ottawa 4--Mats Naslund broke a 3-3 tie and Cam Neely added an insurance goal for the Bruins in a victory at Boston that assured home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.