Thomas Solid As Bruins Edge Senators 2-1

Both teams clinch playoff berths in Eastern Conference

By Mike Buss, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 4, 2008 10:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – Tim Thomas came within 8:14 of recording his third straight shutout against Ottawa and Zdeno Chara scored against his former team, leading the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 win over the Senators as both teams clinched playoff berths tonight. Phil Kessel also scored for Boston, which drew even with Ottawa for sixth overall in the Eastern Conference with 94 points.

The Senators completed their regular season schedule, clinching a playoff spot midway through the third period when Florida beat Carolina 4-3. The result was announced to a sold-out Ottawa crowd during a stoppage in play with 1:35 remaining, drawing a huge cheer. It’s the Senators 11th straight playoff appearance. The Bruins close the regular season Saturday against Buffalo.

Ottawa Senators' Shean Donovan, center left, falls on Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas (33) as teammates Vladimir Sobatka, (60) and Shane Hnidy (34) look on in Ottawa, Friday April 4 , 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Fred Chartrand)

Ottawa Senators' Martin Lapointe (28) checks Boston Bruins' Mark Stuart during third period NHL hockey action in Ottawa, Friday April 4 , 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Fred Chartrand)

Ottawa Senators' Shean Donovan celebrates teammate Antoine Vermette's, not shown, goal on Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas, left, during third period action in Ottawa on Friday April 4, 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Fred Chartrand)

Boston Bruins' Vladmir Sobatka, left, celebrates teammate Phil Kessel's goal as Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Gerber looks on during third period action in Ottawa, Friday April 4 , 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Fred Chartrand)

Boston Bruins' defenseman Zdeno Chara, (33) of the Slovak Republic, checks Ottawa Senators winger Martin Lapointe in the boards during first period action in Ottawa, Friday April 4 , 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Fred Chartrand)

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Thomas Solid As Bruins Edge Senators 2-1

Both teams clinch playoff berths in Eastern Conference

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Bruins Goalie Disses Obama ... Over Size of Government

Tim Thomas skips out on White House visit

Brain of Dead Hockey Player Was 'Going Bad'

Derek Boogard likely faced early dementia

NHL Team Signs 51-Year-Old Goalie

Fortunately, Jim Deutsch did not have to play

Flyers Pull On-Ice Stunt to Send NHL a Message

Philly refuses to move to call out Tampa's boring 'trap' strategy

Fan Tosses Banana Peel at Black NHL Player

Philadelphia Flyers' Wayne Simmonds is the on-ice target

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Thomas Solid As Bruins Edge Senators 2-1

Both teams clinch playoff berths in Eastern Conference

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Bruins Goalie Disses Obama ... Over Size of Government

Tim Thomas skips out on White House visit

Brain of Dead Hockey Player Was 'Going Bad'

Derek Boogard likely faced early dementia

NHL Team Signs 51-Year-Old Goalie

Fortunately, Jim Deutsch did not have to play

Flyers Pull On-Ice Stunt to Send NHL a Message

Philly refuses to move to call out Tampa's boring 'trap' strategy

Fan Tosses Banana Peel at Black NHL Player

Philadelphia Flyers' Wayne Simmonds is the on-ice target

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?