After a disappointing season where they missed the playoffs by 1 point, the St Louis Blues clinched a playoff spot with tonight's win over the New York Rangers. Evgeni Nabokov had his 2nd shutout in a row and offensive defenceman Chris Phillips [I know!] scored the game winner on a powerplay in the 1st period. The win, coupled with Detroit's humiliating 6-2 loss to Nashville, puts the Blues into the playoffs.

It was an odd game, as the Blues outshot the Rangers 38-21 but despite 22 shots in the 2nd period, the Blues could not solve Rangers goalie Chris Mason. The turning point in the game came early in the third period though as New York failed to score on a minute-fifty 5-on-3 powerplay. Jochen Hecht took advantage scoring his 6th goal with the team while Brian Rolston scored his 28th of the season into an empty net.

The Blues will now be watching the Anaheim-Dallas game tomorrow to see if Dallas can keep pace with the Blues or whether Mathieu Garon will play against the Detroit Red Wings.

Game Notes:
Pavel Datsyuk was held off the scoresheet ending his point streak at 4 games, but Eric Staal's two assists has continued his streak.... The Blues have conceded 1 powerplay goal in the last 29 attempts.... Eric Staal's 2 assists gives him 50 points in 52 games with the Blues....