Puck Wire: Top Hockey News Of The Day: April 1st

Another weekend in the books. The final week of the regular season is here as the push to the playoffs continue. Here is the top hockey news for Monday, April 1st from the weekend that was. Today’s stories include
The CWHL folding, Columbus riding high, Two Blue Jackets players make history, Carolina not getting help, Montreal still alive, Calgary clinches division and home ice, Islanders clinch playoff spot, one playoff matchup set, Ovechkin surpasses 50 goals again, Nick Schmaltz signs extension, Anthony Mantha’s five-point night, and Blues back in divisional race.

Top Hockey News for Monday, April 1st

Some very sad and shocking news came out on Sunday prior to the start of the Women’s World Hockey Championships. The CWHL announced they will be folding and ceasing operations come May.

With their backs against the wall, Columbus rolls off five straight wins to climb into the first wild-card spot.

Staying with the Blue Jackets, Cam Atkinson and Artemi Panarin made some history Saturday night.

When it comes to the wild card race in the East, the Hurricanes are not getting any help.

Clinging to their playoff lives, the Montreal Canadiens pick up a big win over Winnipeg on Saturday night.

The Calgary Flames are soaring into the playoffs not only clinching the Pacific Division, but home ice throughout the Conference Final.

The Islanders are going back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 after beating the Sabres.

One playoff match up is set as the San Jose Sharks will play the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round.

Alex Ovechkin records his 8th 50-goal season trailing only Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky.

The Arizona Coyotes made a move over the weekend signing Nick Schmaltz to a seven year contract extension.

Anthony Mantha had a historic night for Detroit by recording his first NHL hat trick and five-point night.

As the final week approaches, the Blues are still in the race for the divisional title.

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Puck Wire: Top Hockey News of the Day: March 29th

Photo Credit: Santeri Viinamäki [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons