Gibson’s shutout takes Ducks home

Anaheim Ducks rookie goal-tender John Gibson posted a shutout in his first career start as the Ducks blanked the Vancouver Canucks 3-0.

Gibson, a 20-year-old Pittsburgh native, recorded 18 saves as the Ducks (51-20-8) moved within a point of the Western Conference-leading St Louis Blues. The Canucks (35-33-11) saw their slim playoff hopes finally end as they were eliminated from postseason contention. 

In another match, Minnesota goalie Ilya Bryzgalov registered his second straight shutout as the Wild slipped out of town with a 1-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.

Bryzgalov made 24 saves as the Wild improved to 41-26-12 to move seven points up on the Dallas Stars and all but solidify a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

The Calgary Flames have been out of the playoff picture for a while, but that did not stop them from dealing a serious blow to the postseason hopes of the New Jersey Devils.

Defenceman Mark Giordano scored a power-play goal early in the third period and goaltender Karri Ramo was flawless with 31 saves as the Flames defeated the Devils 1-0 at Prudential Center.

The loss leaves the Devils (34-29-16) three points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets, who hold the final playoff spot in the East.