Minnesota needed a point in the 82nd and final regular season match to definitely secure a spot in the eighth finals.
Vegas awaits Minnesota.
It was so incredibly great. It sat deep inside, but I got a fantastic pass from Matt Boldy. Of course, it feels great that we get to play in the playoffs, it's what we've been fighting for all year. Now the most fun time of the entire season begins, says Eriksson Ek to Aftonbladet.
In the overtime, Minnesota also snatched the bonus point. Matt Boldy scored the winner, set up by Marcus Johansson and Jonas Brodin. Johansson also initiated the goal scoring in the first period.
Subbed in Fleury
Minnesota's goalie Filip Gustavsson made 22 saves before veteran Marc-Andre Fleury, 40, was subbed in for the overtime period – on Gustavsson's suggestion.
It was fun to be out there again and play the game I love, says the very popular Fleury to AP.
Gustavsson has started 58 NHL matches this season, a career high.
St Louis secured its spot in the playoffs via 6–1 at home against Utah and will face Winnipeg.
For Calgary Flames, the season is over, however.
Two points by Hedman
Stanley Cup champion Florida will face Tampa in the first round of the playoffs.
Tonight, the clubs met in the regular season. Florida rested profiles like Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, and Gustav Forsling. Tampa won 5–1 after two goal-scoring passes by Victor Hedman.
Calle Järnkrok and Pontus Holmberg recorded assists in Toronto's 4–0 win over Buffalo. Rival Ottawa awaits in the playoffs.
The eighth finals: Toronto–Ottawa, Tampa–Florida, Washington–Montreal or Columbus, Carolina–New Jersey, Winnipeg–St Louis, Dallas–Colorado, Vegas–Minnesota, Los Angeles–Colorado.
The first matches are played on April 19.
