Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov stops a shot by Alexis Lafrenière of the Rangers for one of his 28 saves Saturday in a 3-0 win – his fourth shutout this season against the Rangers. Frank Franklin II/Associated Press
UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Anthony Beauvillier scored twice and Semyon Varlamov stopped 28 shots for his league-leading seventh shutout of the season as the New York Islanders beat the rival Rangers 3-0 Saturday night to clinch a playoff spot for the third straight year.
Mathew Barzal added a breakaway goal and Josh Bailey had three assists to help the Islanders defeat the Rangers for the sixth time in eight meetings this season, including the last three by a combined 13-1 margin.
Varlamov, who had three shutouts against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden, added another as the Islanders dominated from start to finish.
Alexandar Georgiev finished with 22 saves for the Rangers.
With Boston’s win over Buffalo earlier Saturday, the Rangers trail the Bruins by eight points with four games remaining. Boston thus needs to earn just one point over its last six games to eliminate the Rangers.
PENGUINS 3, CAPITALS 0: Bryan Rust scored two unassisted goals, Tristan Jarry made 23 saves and Pittsburgh won at Washington to reclaim first place in the East Division.
Trade deadline pickup Jeff Carter got his fourth goal in 10 games with the Penguins. Rust’s goals were the 99th and 100th of his career, and Jarry registered his second shutout of the season.
HURRICANES 2, BLUE JACKETS 1: Dougie Hamilton scored on a breakaway with 52.1 seconds remaining in overtime to lift Carolina to a victory against visiting Columbus.
Goalie Alex Nedeljkovic picked up the assist on the winning play as the Central Division-leading Hurricanes extended their points streak to 10 games.
DEVILS 4, FLYERS 1: Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 30 shots as New Jersey won at Philadelphia for its third straight victory.
RED WINGS 1, LIGHTNING 0: Sam Gagner scored to end an eight-round shootout and Thomas Greiss stopped 33 shots, lifting Detroit to a win at home.
PREDATORS 1, STARS 0: Erik Haula scored at 3:32 of overtime to give Nashville a victory over visiting Dallas.
PANTHERS 5, BLACKHAWKS 4: Anthony Duclair had two goals and an assist and Florida won at Chicago for its third straight victory.
AVALANCHE 4, SHARKS 3: Nathan MacKinnon bounced back from a rare scoreless night with a goal and an assist to lead Colorado to a win at home.
WILD 4, BLUES 3: Kevin Fiala scored 2:16 into overtime and Minnesota rallied to beat visiting St. Louis.
NOTES
CANUCKS: Vancouver placed right wing Jake Virtanen on leave following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The team said in a statement it “does not accept sexual misconduct of any kind and the claims as reported are being treated very seriously.” The Canucks added that they have “engaged external expertise” to assist in an independent investigation and are awaiting more information.
The NHL said it is aware of the unspecified allegations and will not comment until the investigation is complete. Neither Virtanen nor his representatives could immediately be reached for comment.
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