Win Puts Hurricanes in Postseason Mood

Martin Gelinas scored a power-play goal with 4:51 remaining as the Carolina Hurricanes clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers Friday night at Raleigh, N.C.

Carolina improved to 9-0-1 against Atlanta in 10 meetings, rallying twice and winning its third one-goal game in eight days to make the postseason for the second time in three seasons.

Toronto 1, Chicago 0--Curtis Joseph made 27 saves for his sixth shutout as the Maple Leafs clinched a playoff berth at Chicago.

New Jersey 5, Boston 2--John Madden and Patrik Elias scored goals a team-record eight seconds apart late in the first period and the Devils ended the Bruins’ playoff hopes at East Rutherford, N.J.

Buffalo 2, Washington 1--Dominik Hasek stopped 41 shots at Buffalo, N.Y., as the Sabres regained sole possession of fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Ottawa 4, New York Islanders 3--Mike Fisher scored the game-winning goal at 3:03 of the third period at Uniondale, N.Y.

Minnesota 3, Columbus 2--Darby Hendrickson scored two goals at St. Paul, Minn., including the game-winner with 1:20 left.