Knuble Lifts Bruins Over Maple Leafs

The view from the bench was different for Mike O’Connell.

“You think you have an appreciation for what the players can do,” he said after Boston beat the Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-2, in his home debut as Bruin coach. “But when you get down there, you realize how difficult a job it is to coach.”

Mike Knuble scored the tiebreaking goal 15 seconds into the third period, and Steve Shields stopped 24 shots on Monday night, including a glove save on Alexander Mogilny’s wrist shot with 45.9 seconds left to help the Bruins clinch at least a .500 record.

Shields, Jeff Hackett’s backup, was making only his fourth start this month. He earned his first win since beating the New York Islanders, 4-1, on March 6.

Rob Zamuner and Martin Lapointe each scored to tie the game for Boston before Knuble won it with his 27th goal.

Calgary 2, Phoenix 0 -- Stephane Yelle and Martin Gelinas scored, and Roman Turek made 16 saves to lead the Flames at Calgary, Canada.

The Coyote loss clinched a playoff spot for the Ducks, who later defeated Columbus, 5-0.

Tampa Bay 4, San Jose 1 -- Vincent Lecavalier and captain Dave Andreychuk each had a goal and an assist at San Jose as the Lightning clinched a playoff berth.

Philadelphia 6, Atlanta 2 -- Michal Handzus had two goals, and the Flyers scored three times within 1:36 of the third period at Philadelphia.

Buffalo 4, Colorado 3 -- Jochen Hecht scored his second goal of the game with 44.8 seconds left in overtime to lead the Sabres at Buffalo, N.Y.

New Jersey 4, Florida 1 -- Brian Gionta’s second-period goal was the game-winner and three other Devils scored in a victory over the Panthers at Sunrise, Fla.