NHL action: Jágr’s Rangers secure Stanley Cup playoff spot

In the NHL on Thursday Jaromír Jágr’s New York Rangers defeated local rivals the New York Islanders 3-0 to secure a spot in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs. Jágr – the Ranger’s captain – scored twice in the 1st period, while compatriot Martin Straka added a third. The Rangers have one game left to play in the regular season, against the New Jersey Devils. A win would push the Rangers into the 4th spot in the Eastern Conference – giving them home ice advantage in the playoffs.

In other action on Thursday, the Nashville Predators secured the final spot in the Western Conference by downing St Louis 3-2. Jan Hlaváč assisted on all three goals, seeing him named 1st star.