The San Jose Sharks beat the Phoenix Coyotes 3-2 after a shootout Saturday, keeping alive their chances of taking the top seed in the NHL Western Conference playoffs. The Sharks were unable to protect a 2-1 lead in regulation, but Logan Couture converted on his first career shootout attempt to give San Jose a crucial two points. That gave the Sharks 113 points, two more than Chicago for the most in the West. The Blackhawks have one game remaining and can clinch the top seed in the playoffs by winning at home Sunday against Detroit. Sabres 5, Senators 2: In Ottawa, Thomas Vanek scored four goals as Buffalo snapped a nine-game losing streak to Ottawa. The Sabres spoiled the celebration for Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, who recently played his 1,000th NHL game. Vanek stole the show in his first game after sitting out six through injury. Derek Roy also scored for the Sabres, who play at New Jersey on Sunday with a chance to claim the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Chris Neil and Shean Donovan scored for the Senators, who will be the fifth-seeded team in the East and face Pittsburgh in the first round of the postseason. Canucks 7, Flames 3: In Vancouver, Henrik Sedin regained the NHL scoring lead with four assists, including three on twin brother Daniel's hat trick, as Vancouver beat Calgary. Defenseman Kevin Bieksa ended a long offensive drought with two goals, while Rick Rypien and Ryan Kesler also scored as the Canucks ended the regular season by matching a franchise record with 49 wins. Niklas Hagman had two goals, and Rene Bourque also scored for Calgary, which lost its final four and missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Predators 2, Blues 1, SO: In Nashville, Tennesse, Martin Erat scored the lone goal of the shootout as Nashville beat St. Louis. Thrashers 1, Penguins 0: In Atlanta, the home team ruined Pittsburgh's hopes of claiming the Atlantic Division title. In other results: Devils 7, Islanders 1; Stars 4, Wild 3, SO; Bruins 4, Hurricanes 2; Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 3, OT; Oilers 4, Kings 3, SO; Lightning 4, Panthers 3, SO.
