- Rangers 3, Canadiens 1: Last season saw the Rangers start quickly before backing into the playoffs. Their quick dismissal by the Devils took plenty of the luster off a turnaround season. This season, the Rangers couldn't find a groove until recently, when they have played well and looked like a team that can make a dent in the playoffs. They can be carried by Jaromir Jagr -- who scored a goal and added an assist Thursday -- and goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Both shone Thursday, but both will have to wait with the rest of the team to find out who the Rangers draw in the first round of the playoffs.
- Devils 3, Flyers 2: New Jersey set two records in its win over Philadelphia, and both deserve recognition. Martin Brodeur, still going strong, set a league record for victories in a season. The Devils set a club record with their 49th win this season, though with shootout wins counting, that's slightly deceiving. Oh, and they also clinched the Atlantic Division. Not too shabby.
- Islanders 5, Maple Leafs 2: A third-period explosion helped the Islanders retain their slim playoff hopes. They trail the final spot by two points, and Montreal and Toronto -- who play each other in their final games -- sit ahead of New York. The Islanders have two games remaining.
- Devil Rays 7, Yankees 6: This had about what you expect for a game played in football weather. It had errors, wild pitches, face masks and more. The Yankees played the uglier game, spoiling Andy Pettitte's return and splitting the season-opening series with the Devil Rays. They host Baltimore on Friday.
