NHL Thursday: Rangers first to clinch playoff berth

The game and result came off as more of a celebration of a wonderful season than anything else. It was a culmination of a torrid four months of hockey; after a 7-7-5 start, New York went on a 40-12-3 race to the top of the Eastern Conference standings and the playoffs.

New York Rangers 5, Ottawa Senators 1

Even though the players on both teams (owners of the worst two records in the NHL right now) might not actually be tanking to draft Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel in this summer’s draft, their fans have certainly embraced the idea. Buffalo fans were actually cheering when the Coyotes scored on their home team throughout the night. When the Sabres got a penalty late in the third, the fans cheered.

And when the Coyotes ultimately won the game in overtime, Sabres fans cheered at their team’s loss.

That is, unless Tavares just straight-up steals Doughty’s stick from him. Which he did on Thursday, leaving Doughty dumbfounded and empty-handed.

Meanwhile, his team can clinch a playoff berth with a win Thursday. We want to be irked that he’s probably pandering to get votes, but we can’t. It’s just too awesome. Keep being awesome, Carey Price. Here, have a Hart Trophy.

Look, we’re sure everyone can agree that sandwiches are one of humanity’s greatest inventions. They’re versatile, easy to make and often delicious.

Ouch. Luckily Gelinas wasn’t too shaken up after the play, but it sure looked bad.