Stat Trick: Devils 2, Isles 1

33 years ago this month, JP Parise's OT goal clinched a playoff series. Tonight, Zach Parise's OT goal, also in the opening minute of overtime, clinched a playoff spot for the Devils. On to the trick:

1. Parise's goal gives him a team leading 4 goals and 8 points against the Isles this season. He has career highs in goals, assists and points this season (32-34-66). Parise had eight shots on goal.

2. The Devils outshot the Isles 47-22 tonight and 266-199 on the season, but the Isles outscored NJ 21-14, and won the season series 6 games to 2 and 13 points to 3.

3. Trent Hunter had 8 hits for the Isles, while Josef Vasicek's goal was his 5th of the season against NJ.

Around the League:

WHO CLINCHED TONIGHT?
EASTERN CONFERENCE

Montreal Canadiens clinched the Northeast Division tonight with their win over Ottawa

New Jersey Devils clinched an Eastern Conference playoff berth tonight with their win over the Isles

WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Detroit Red Wings (idle) can clinch the Presidents' Trophy tonight:
* If San Jose gets one or no points against Los Angeles. (game still in progress)

#6
Colorado Avalanche can clinch a Western Conference playoff berth tonight:
* If they beat Vancouver (game still in progress)

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick. Eric has worked the Stanley Cup Finals four times, and celebrated his 26th anniversary as the statistician on Islander home telecasts on January 21, 2008.