Tampa Bay Lightning sweep the Montreal Canadiens to clinch a play-off spot

Goaltender Ben Bishop claimed two assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning completed a season sweep of the Montreal Canadiens and secured a play-off berth in the NHL.

The Lightning claimed a fifth win from five games against Montreal this season, with Vladislav Namestnikov scoring twice as Tampa Bay prevailed 5-3.

It took Tampa Bay to 101 points in the Atlantic division standings, just one behind the Canadiens, securing one of the eight play-off spots in the Eastern Conference.

The Lightning joined Montreal, the New York Rangers, the Nashville Predators and the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL's post-season.

Tampa Bay set a new team record for wins in a season with 47 victories and broke 100 points in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history.

In the Western Conference's Pacific division, the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames both made up ground on leaders Anaheim.

Vancouver scored twice in the third period to cruise to a 4-1 win over the St Louis Blues, which saw the second-placed Canucks rise to 93 points, 12 behind the Ducks.

The Flames surged to 91, scoring three times in the second period in a 5-3 triumph over the Dallas Stars.

The fourth-placed Los Angeles Kings (88) lost ground, however, after a 4-1 defeat away to the Chicago Blackhawks.

In other results, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 and the Buffalo Sabres won by the same scoreline over the Arizona Coyotes.