New York: Ryan Miller denied all three shootout attempts while playing in his 500th career game to make Thomas Vanek’s tally in the first round stand up as host Buffalo finished its season with five wins in seven contests.
Keith Aucoin scored in regulation and Evgeni Nabokov finished with 21 saves for the Islanders, who ended the regular season with three straight setbacks (0-1-2) against non-play-off teams.
Coach Jack Capuano’s club moved into sixth place - one point ahead of Ottawa and the New York Rangers.
Meanwhile, Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle each had a goal and two assists as Edmonton won at Minnesota for the second time in 21 contests.
Corey Potter and top overall pick Nail Yakupov both scored twice for the Oilers, who improved to 4-9-0 in April and denied the Wild a chance to clinch a playoff spot. Nikolai Khabibulin made 38 saves for his first win since March 26.
Captain Mikko Koivu tallied for eighth-place Minnesota, which remained even in points with the Columbus Blue Jackets with one game remaining.
Elsewhere, Patrick Kane and captain Jonathan Toews continue to share the team lead after scoring their respective 23rd goals in the first period as host Chicago improved to 11-1-2 in its last 14 games.
Corey Crawford turned aside 25 shots for the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Blackhawks, who will wrap up their regular season on Saturday at Central Division-rival St. Louis. REUTERS
