Toronto (Canada) (AFP)

Montreal created a sensation on Friday, by qualifying at the expense of Pittsburgh for the first round of the North American Ice Hockey League (NHL) play-offs, which will also play in Chicago, the New York Islanders, Arizona and Vancouver.

In the East, the Canadians, drafted in 12th place, were far from being favorites against the Penguins (5th). But they came out victorious in their fourth meeting (2-0) to win the series three wins to one.

The Islanders have enforced a certain logic at the expense of the Panthers, winning (5-1) to qualify three wins to one.

The Maple Leafs, however down 3-0 at the start of the final third, managed the feat of snatching an overtime and finally winning 4-3, to offer a decisive fifth game against Columbus and Alexander Texier, author of an assist.

In the West, two big surprises too.

The Oilers, yet 5th best team of the regular season, playing in addition in their ice rink admittedly hollowed out of their fans, were eliminated by the Blackhawks, winners (3-2) during their fourth meeting.

Arizona (11th) qualified three wins to one at the expense of Nashville (6th), after a very close fourth game that was played in overtime, after a goal from Brad Richardson (4-3).

Vancouver also pocketed its ticket for the first round in overtime. The Canucks, with Antoine Roussel, won their series against the Minnesota Wild three wins to one with a decisive 5-4 victory signed after just eleven seconds of play in overtime.

The four qualified teams in the East as in the West will be opposed in the first round to the four seeds of their conference. Which did not play this Friday in the group stages.

. EAST CONFERENCE DAMS

In Toronto,

Pittsburgh (5) - Montreal (12) 0 - 2

Montreal wins series 3-1 over Pittsburgh to advance to 1st round

New York Islanders (7) - Florida (10) 5 - 1

New York wins series 3-1 over Florida to advance to 1st round

Toronto (8) - Columbus (9) 4 - 3 (ap)

Toronto and Columbus are tied 2-2

. WEST CONFERENCE DAMS

In Edmonton,

Edmonton (5) - Chicago (12) 2 - 3

Chicago wins series 3-1 over Edmonton to advance to 1st round

Nashville (6) - Arizona (11) 3 - 4 (ap)

Arizona wins series 3-1 over Nashville to advance to 1st round

Vancouver (7) - Minnesota (10) 5 - 4 (ap)

Vancouver wins series 3-1 over Minnesota to advance to 1st round

© 2020 AFP