Read reports from Thursday’s NHL games.
Posted at 3:55 p.m.
Updated at 4:03 p.m.
Alexis Lafrenière scored two goals on his return to play and the New York Rangers shut out the Detroit Red Wings 4-0 on Saturday.
Left out for the first time in his career on Wednesday night, Lafrenière ended an eight-game pointless streak by beating tight end goaltender Thomas Greiss at 4:37 of the third period.
The first pick in the 2020 draft then pulled off a spectacular maneuver to unpant Dylan Larkin and Greiss, scoring his 17and countryside fillet.
Mika Zibanejad had a goal and an assist while Frank Vatrano also scored for the Rangers. Barclay Goodrow participated in two goals for his team.
Igor Shesterkin was perfect in front of 20 shots and recorded his fifth shutout of the campaign. Rangers got a 49and victory this season, which is their highest tally since 2014-15.
Greiss made 33 saves for Detroit, which was shut out for the seventh time this season.
Associated Press
Bruins secure series spot by beating Penguins
PHOTO WINSLOW TOWNSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jeremy Swayman (1) and Patrice Bergeron (37)
Erik Haula scored a 15and goal and the Boston Bruins earned a playoff berth by beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 on Saturday.
Trent Frederic scored in the first minute, then Haula doubled the lead just a minute later.
Frederic converted a rebound. Haula scored on a deflected shot off Marcus Pettersson of the Penguins.
Jeremy Swayman made 23 saves, only being beaten by Danton Heinen.
The Bruins ended a three-game losing streak. The club, however, missed two power plays; the dearth in this chapter went to 0 in 25.
David Pastrnak missed a sixth game in a row with an unspecified injury.
Casey DeSmith stopped 27 shots for the Penguins, who will host the Bruins on Thursday.
Sidney Crosby stayed within a goal of a 10and season of 30 nets. Only Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr have had as many such seasons in Penguins history.
Ken Powtak, Associated Press