In Columbus, Matiss Kivlenieks made 33 saves and the Blue Jackets clipped the Detroit Red Wings, 5-4, in extra time on Saturday night.
It took most of the extra session to skate before Max Domi scored the winner with just 21 seconds left on the clock.
“I’m glad they’re able to leave the season, a horrible season, with a win,” Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella said. “For the most part through the time that we were eliminated they played the right way, tried to keep the integrity and the dignity of the hockey for us.
“It was an overtime win, which is exciting for them. I’m proud of them. There’s a lot of work to be done but I’m glad we ended at least winning a game.”
The Red Wings went 3-2-3 in their final eight games.
“The arc of this organization is starting to head in the right direction and last year was a bad year, for sure,” Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill said. “This was totally different. We’re a much, much improved hockey team from a season ago, both in how we play the game, in our habits, in our structure.
“With a number, especially down the stretch, of young players that are really being thrust into significant roles, to me, it’s not even comparable [to last season].”
Jack Roslovic, Eric Robinson and Oliver Bjorkstrand scored for the Blue Jackets.
“We want to get back on track, so it’s going to be in our minds throughout the summer, what we can do to turn it around and get back on track,” Bjorkstrand said.
Sam Gagner, Jakub Vrana and DeKeyser scored for the Red Wings.
“Down the stretch there I was pretty proud how our team competed,” the Red Wings’ Danny DeKeyser said. “I think a lot of our younger players took strides this year. They’re meant to be here. They’re playing well. It’s good to see that for the future. It gives you a positive outlook on things.”
Cam Atkinson also scored for Columbus in regulation.
“Good for the group in the locker room and good for the fans to get [a win] in front of them too,” Robinson said.
Detroit’s Valtteri Filppula forced the extra session when he tied the game, 4-4, at 16:18 of the third period.
Calvin Pickard made 31 saves in the loss.
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