Canadiens Out, Hurricanes Alive

Thanks to a listless offense and an unending string of injuries, the Montreal Canadiens have a two-year playoff drought for the first time since 1922.

Patrick Lalime turned away 23 shots as the Ottawa Senators defeated Montreal, 3-1, Saturday night at Montreal, eliminating the Canadiens from the Eastern Conference playoff picture one day before the regular season ends.

“We worked so hard all year and came through so much adversity and so many injuries,” left wing Shayne Corson said. “I really thought we’d win. I thought it was our year. We tried so hard to win and we didn’t and that’s a disappointment for all of us.”

Carolina 4, Atlanta 3--Gary Roberts had two goals and an assist as the Hurricanes kept their playoff hopes alive at Atlanta.

Carolina must win at home against Atlanta today and hope Buffalo loses at Washington today. With those results, the teams would finish tied, but the Hurricanes would advance by virtue of more wins.

New Jersey 2, Florida 1--Jason Arnott scored his second goal of the game 47 seconds into overtime at East Rutherford, N.J., as the Devils clinched home-ice advantage for at least one playoff round.

Philadelphia 3, Boston 0--Brian Boucher made 24 saves for his fourth shutout as the Flyers won at Philadelphia.

Toronto 4, Tampa Bay 2--Mats Sundin had a goal and assist at Toronto as the Maple Leafs surpassed the 100-point mark for the first time.

Edmonton 6, Calgary 3--Rookie Mike Minard stopped 33 shots in his first career start and Alexander Selivanov had a hat trick as the Oilers spoiled Grant Fuhr’s final NHL game at Calgary.

Around the League

The Colorado Avalanche’s charge into the playoffs took a hit when they learned that star center Peter Forsberg will be sidelined indefinitely because of a separated right shoulder. . . . Tampa Bay goalie Zac Bierk was taken to the hospital after a puck hit him in the throat during pregame warmups for the Lightning’s game against Toronto.