Edmonton faced the toughest possible opposition in the NHL's Western Conference last night - Colorado, which secured the table victory.

Colorado also took the lead in the first period, but the playoff spot loomed for the home team, who did not let themselves be discouraged.

After a hat-trick by Edmonton's Evander Kane in the second period and three assists by the team's superstar Connor McDavid, Edmonton took a 6-3 victory and thus became the fifth team in the Western Conference to secure a place in the Stanley Cup.

Thanks to his three assists, Connor McDavid also went back to the top of the NHL's scoring list, with 113 points, of which 43 goals.

The match was played by Colorado's André Burakovsky, who was noted for two assists.

Two goals by Eriksson Ek

Minnesota, already ready for the playoffs - currently second in the Western Conference, closely chased by Calgary and St. Louis - won a clear victory over dependent Seattle last night.

Joel Eriksson Ek saw with two straight goals that Minnesota caught up with a two-goal deficit and the team then pulled away with another four straight goals, one of which was passed by Eriksson Ek.

Seattle scored a consolation goal in powerplay in the third period, but had no chance to catch up.

Minnesota thus won 6-3.

Gustavsson match hero

Ottawa's goalkeeper Filip Gustavsson became the match hero when he saved all penalties in the meeting with Columbus.

The 23-year-old already played big during regular match time, saved 33 shots and contributed to Ottawa succeeding in taking the match to extra time with 1-1 after full time.

In the decisive penalty shootout, Gustavsson was a wall and saved all three penalties he received against him, including one by Gustav Nyquist.

In the end, Ottawa's Tim Stützle was able to set the winning goal.

However, both Ottawa and Columbus are dependent on the Eastern Conference and will not play the playoffs.