Ultimate game needed.

The New-York Rangers have defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 at Madison Square Gardens. The ice conditions in the legendary building were extremely poor for this game as the puck bounced like a ping pong ball all evening long. The Rangers managed to take a 3-0 lead after 2 periods. Jaromir Jagr scored his 30th of the season during the game. With the victory, the New-York Rangers clinch their playoff spot at their 81st game.

Late in the game defensemen Sheldon Souray scored his 26th goal of the season for Montreal, avoiding the shutout. A 19th power play goal for Souray, a new NHL record for a defensemen. He gets in front of defensemen greats like Denis Potvin and Guy Lapointe who were sharing this record with 18 PPG in a single season. Christobal Huet played the 3rd period at 0-3 and did well. He could be chosen for the ultimate game in Toronto.

Also in New-York, the Islanders defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2. The Islanders are still virtually alive. They still need help to have any playoff hope.

This means that the 82nd game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens at the Air Canada centre saturday night will be needed and will decide of who gets in the playoffs and who's gone golfing early in april. The conclusion of the regular season is next sunday.