WASHINGTON: The Dallas Stars and Washington Capitals both began the game one point away from a play-off spot in their National Hockey League matches yesterday.
The Stars played like a team determined to get to there for the first time since 2008, while the Capitals looked like a group tired of having their yearly routines disrupted by such a trivial thing as postseason hockey.
It was no contest. The Stars’ 5-0 win over the Capitals yesterday was a victory of confidence over embarrassment. Dallas has won five of six, outscoring opponents 16-5 over their past three games.
Dustin Jeffrey had his first two-goal game with the Stars, while Tyler Seguin, Ray Whitney and Ryan Garbutt all added scores leading the Stars to a win over the Washington Capitals. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen turned aside all 35 shots he faced for his fourth shutout of the season.
Dave Bolland and David Clarkson scored early in the third period and the Toronto Maple Leafs snapped an eight-game losing streak by holding on for a victory over the Calgary Flames.
Jay McClement also scored for the Maple Leafs (37-32-8), who moved within a point of Columbus for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Matt Stajan and defenseman Kris Russell scored for the Flames (31-38-7), who lost their second game in a row.
T J Oshie and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk scored in a shootout to give St Louis a win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Goalie Ryan Miller stopped 31 shots in regulation and overtime before turning back shots by Vincent Lecavalier and Claude Giroux in the shootout.
Reuters
