Devils defeat Senators 5-3, clinch playoff berth
By MATT SUGAM
Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Jack Hughes had a goal and an assist, Mackenzie Blackwood had 25 saves and New Jersey defeated Ottawa 5-3 and clinched a playoff berth on Saturday night. New Jersey could have clinched its first postseason berth since 2018 with a win, but it happened before their first intermission when the Florida Panthers lost to the New York Rangers in regulation.