Devils Best Islanders, Clinch Playoff Berth

Ovechkin, Caps top 'Canes, Panthers take down Thrashers

By Doug Sweeney, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 1, 2008 11:20 PM CDT

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Devils Best Islanders, Clinch Playoff Berth — New Jersey Devils' Patrik Elias (26) congratulates Zach Parise (9) on his goal as Paul Martin (7) looks on during overtime against the New York Islanders' in their NHL hockey game. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)

Zach Parise’s goal 29 seconds into overtime gave New Jersey a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders and also clinched a playoff spot for the Devils. New Jersey has a two point lead on the New York Rangers for fourth place and can still win the Atlantic Division; a loss would have given the title to Pittsburgh, reports the Associated Press. Elsewhere in the NHL:

Alexander Ovechkin scored his league-leading 63rd goal as Washington defeated Carolina 4-1. The results leaves the two teams tied for first in the Southeast Division with two games remaining

The Florida Panthers scored two goals 17 seconds apart in the third period to give them a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers.

(More hockey stories.)

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