SPORTS

Stars, Rangers secure wins in NHL regular-season finales

PUBLISHED Apr 15, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

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Buffalo, N.Y. Wyatt Johnston scored the decisive shootout goal as the Dallas Stars beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 Wednesday in the regular-season finale, giving Dallas a 50-20-12 record and a third consecutive 50-win season. Jake Oettinger stopped two shootout attempts; Colten Ellis allowed three in the shootout for Buffalo. Dallas reached 50 wins for the seventh time in franchise history. Tampa, Fla. Tye Kartye scored two goals and added an assist as the New York Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 Wednesday in the regular-season finale, snapping New York's three-game losing streak. Tampa Bay rested Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, Anthony Cirelli, J.J. Moser and Ryan McDonagh; Brandon Halverson made his second career start as the Lightning prepared to begin their first-round playoff series.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Regular season advanced toward final scheduled games with playoff positions largely settled.
Wednesday: Dallas defeated Buffalo 4-3 in a shootout; Wyatt Johnston scored the decisive shootout goal.
Wednesday: New York Rangers beat Tampa Bay 4-2; Tye Kartye scored twice and Dylan Garand started.
Tampa Bay rested multiple regulars in the finale while confirming Brandon Halverson as the start.
Teams transition immediately to playoff preparations with series set to begin in the coming days.

News Intelligence

If you're a hockey fan, these games shape the playoffs. Dallas and New York Rangers' wins could affect their momentum. For Tampa Bay fans, resting key players might be a smart move for the playoffs. It's a good time to check your team's playoff schedule.

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Who Benefited

The Dallas Stars secured their third consecutive 50-win season and enhanced player and organizational momentum entering the postseason, while the New York Rangers ended a three-game skid and finished their regular season on a winning note.

Who Impacted

The Buffalo Sabres lost their regular-season finale in a shootout despite strong performances from Zach Benson and Alex Tuch, and the Tampa Bay Lightning absorbed a loss while resting key regulars ahead of the playoffs.

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