NHL ROUNDUP | Thursday’s games

Capitals 4, Lightning 1

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin scored two goals to set an NHL record for left wings and Washington moved a step closer to the playoffs. Ovechkin broke Luc Robitaille’s single-season record of 63 goals set in 1992-93 with his 64th and 65th scores. The win put the Capitals into the top eight in the Eastern Conference; Washington likely needs to beat Florida at home in Saturday’s regular season finale to reach the postseason for the first time since 2003. Boyd Gordon and Tom Poti added insurance goals for Washington and Cristobal Huet made 18 saves for his eighth straight win.

Red Wings 3, Blue Jackets 2

DETROIT — Henrik Zetterberg wrapped up the Presidents’ Trophy for Detroit, scoring with 11 seconds left. With 113 points, the Red Wings took the title of regular season points leaders and earned home-ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs. Mark Hartigan and Johan Franzen also scored for Detroit, and Dominik Hasek made 20 saves. Ron Hainsey and Aaron Rome had the Blue Jackets’ goals, and Pascal Leclaire stopped 36 shots.

Rangers 3, Islanders 0

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Jaromir Jagr scored two power-play goals in a two-minute span of the first period and Henrik Lundqvist stopped 25 shots as the Rangers clinched a playoff berth. Lundqvist earned his 10th shutout of the season and 17th in the NHL.

Canadiens 3, Sabres 1

MONTREAL — Bryan Smolinski scored twice and Carey Price came within 8:30 of posting his second straight shutout as Montreal eliminated Buffalo from the playoff race. Chris Higgins also scored for Montreal, which is tied with Pittsburgh atop the Eastern Conference with 102 points. Ales Kotalik scored his 23rd goal for Buffalo.

Wild 3, Flames 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Marian Gaborik scored two third-period goals to help Minnesota clinch the first division title in the franchise’s seven seasons. Minnesota’s Jacques Lemaire also earned his 500th career victory, becoming the 12th coach in NHL history to reach that mark. Miikka Kiprusoff made 23 saves for Calgary.

Predators 3, Blues 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — J.P. Dumont scored the tying goal and assisted on the game-winner for Nashville. Jerred Smithson and Greg de Vries also scored and Jan Hlavac had three assists to help the Predators beat the Blues for the second time in three nights. Jay McClement and David Backes scored for the Blues.

Senators 8, Maple Leafs 2

TORONTO — Antoine Vermette scored three goals and Ottawa moved within a point of wrapping up a playoff berth. The Senators, who scored three short-handed goals, can clinch a playoff spot tonight when they close out the regular season at home against Boston. Ottawa might have to play without captain Daniel Alfredsson, who left Thursday’s game with what the team called an upper body injury following a hit by Toronto’s Mark Bell. Vermette had his first career hat trick, Dany Heatley scored a pair of goals, and Dean McAmmond, Cody Bass and Jason Spezza also scored for the Senators. Bell and Dominic Moore scored for the Leafs.

Associated Press