Sabres Edge Flyers as Ruff Earns 900th Win, NHL Season Wraps
Ryan McLeod collected a goal and two assists as the Buffalo Sabres edged the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 on Thursday, giving head coach Lindy Ruff his 900th career win. Ruff became just the fifth coach in NHL history to reach that milestone.
Alex Tuch, Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka each had a goal and an assist, Peyton Krebs also scored, and James Reimer made 21 saves in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Philadelphia rookie Matvei Michkov notched two goals and an assist, finishing with 26 goals in an impressive campaign. Tyson Foerster scored his ninth goal in as many games and added an assist, while Bobby Brink chipped in a goal and assist. Aleksei Kolosov made 26 saves for the Flyers.
For bettors, keeping track of streaking teams and milestone games like Ruff’s can help sharpen strategies — especially when considering how NHL Public Betting sentiment might influence lines late in the season.
Zibanejad Powers Rangers Past Lightning
Mika Zibanejad tallied two goals and an assist to lead the New York Rangers to a 4-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, ending a disappointing season on a high note.
Vincent Trocheck scored short-handed, and Zibanejad set up Chris Kreider before netting twice himself. Igor Shesterkin turned away all 27 shots for his sixth shutout of the season.
Despite missing the postseason, the Rangers were a classic example of how NHL Underdogs can still present profitable betting angles, especially in games with emotional or reputational stakes.
Maple Leafs Stun Red Wings in OT
Scott Laughton scored just 56 seconds into overtime to give Toronto a 4-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings, capping a wild finish that saw Chris Tanev tie it with two seconds left in regulation.
Auston Matthews and Philippe Myers also found the net for Toronto. Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies each tallied two assists, and Joseph Woll made 31 saves.
Detroit’s goals came from Justin Holl, Austin Watson and Alex DeBrincat. Cam Talbot finished with 16 saves.
Comeback wins like this are where Puck Line Wagers often hinge on late-game dynamics, making in-game betting tools a critical asset. Learn how to spot those opportunities in Mastering the Ice: Understanding and Strategizing Puck Line Wagers in Hockey Betting.
Senators Rally to Outscore Hurricanes in Wild One
Ottawa stormed back with four third-period goals to down Carolina 7-5 in a clash between playoff-bound teams.
Drake Batherson and Adam Gaudette each scored twice, while Tim Stutzle and Dylan Cozens added a goal and two assists. Brady Tkachuk returned to the lineup and played limited minutes after taking a stick to the face.
Carolina got goals from Andrei Svechnikov, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Skyler Brind’Amour, Jack Roslovic, and Tyson Jost.
Penguins Spoil Capitals’ Finale Despite Ovechkin’s 897th
Alex Ovechkin scored his 897th career goal, but the Capitals fell 5-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in their season finale.
Bryan Rust scored twice for Pittsburgh, and Sidney Crosby and Philip Tomasino had a goal and an assist each. Alex Nedeljkovic made 18 saves.
Washington’s Connor McMichael scored, and Clay Stevenson made 33 saves in his NHL debut.
Understanding how teams treat season finales is key to Finding the Best Hockey Picks All Season, especially when top teams rest stars or give young talent ice time.
Blue Jackets Dominate Islanders, Close Season on Six-Game Run
Jet Greaves stopped 36 shots and Columbus finished the season with a 6-1 thrashing of the New York Islanders.
Cole Sillinger and Zach Werenski each had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets, who just missed the postseason. Hudson Fasching scored for New York, and Marcus Hogberg made 20 saves.
Streaking teams like Columbus highlight why How To Bet on Hockey isn’t just about favorites; it’s about identifying overlooked squads with momentum and value.
Bonus Insight for the Sharp Bettor
From using Alternate Lines to manage risk, to interpreting line movement with How to Master Hockey Odds, there are dozens of ways to strengthen your approach. Whether you’re wagering on the Cup or targeting late-season edges, NHL Betting 101 – Win More Hockey Bets remains your foundational playbook.
