NHL roundup | Friday’s games

Rangers 3, Blue Jackets 1

COLUMBUS

Derick Brassard and Derek Stepan scored third-period goals, and Henrik Lundqvist made 25 saves to lead the New York Rangers to victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night. It was the first game back in Columbus for Rangers star Rick Nash, the Blue Jackets’ franchise leader in goals, assists and games. He was given a standing ovation during a video tribute in the first period, but was booed loud and long after.

Blackhawks 3, Hurricanes 2

CHICAGO

Jonathan Toews’ short-handed breakaway goal early in the third period snapped a tie, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night. Patrick Sharp scored his team-leading 30th goal and Kris Versteeg ended an eight-game drought to help the Blackhawks win without leading scorer Patrick Kane, who was placed on long-term injured reserve after sustaining a lower-body injury in St. Louis on Wednesday.

Bruins 2, Avalanche 0

DENVER

Patrice Bergeron and Carl Soderberg each had a goal, Chad Johnson stopped 31 shots for his third career shutout, and the Boston Bruins beat the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night for their 11th win in a row. Boston became the first team to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. It is the longest run for the Bruins since a 13-game winning streak in the 1970-71 season. They pushed their point total to 101.

Predators 6, Flames 5

CALGARY, ALBERTA

Shea Weber scored twice, including the go-ahead goal late in the third period, and the Nashville Predators escaped with a victory over the Calgary Flames on Friday night. Tied 4-4 and with the Predators on the power play, Weber took a perfect pass from Matt Cullen and blasted a high slap shot past Joey MacDonald from the faceoff dot to put Nashville back into the lead at 14:28.

Associated Press