Never allow the Anaheim Ducks to get into a one-goal game. The best team in the Western Conference clinched a playoff berth with Saturday's 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders.
The loss didn't help the Isles' bid for a playoff berth. They remain in second place in the Atlantic Division, but their lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins was down to two points with the Washington Capitals threatening.
FINAL: @AnaheimDucks (3) - @NYIslanders (2) Recap: http://t.co/FoysV7v0rH #ANAvsNYI pic.twitter.com/NzouHZolSs
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Rickard Rakell, Kyle Palmieri and Andrew Cogliano scored for the Ducks. Frederik Andersen made 29 saves.
By the way, Anaheim is 31-1-7 in one-goal games.
Earlier Saturday, the Nashville Predators became the first Western Conference team to secure a place in the 16-team Stanley Cup playoffs. They beat the Washington Capitals 4-3 and have a game in hand on the Ducks.
The New York Rangers were the first team to clinch a playoff berth.
Lubomir Visnovsky and Casey Cizikas scored for the Islanders, whose are in a 1-6-1 skid. They also are 0-6-1 in their past seven at antiquated Nassau Coliseum, which the team will vacate after this season.
Cizikas made it 3-2 with 5:36 remaining in the third period, but the Isles couldn't find the equalizer.
Contributing: NHL.com