630 CHED Sports
4/8/2012
Henrik Sedin scored the only goal the Vancouver Canucks needed as they clinched first place overall in the NHL with a 3-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.
The Canucks won the President's Trophy for the second straight season as they finished the 2011-12 campaign with a 51-22-9 record. They caught a break earlier Saturday as the New York Rangers lost to the Washington Capitals and opened the door for Vancouver to take top spot overall. New York held the advantage on tiebreakers.
As a result of Vancouver's win, the St. Louis Blues were relegated to second place in the Western Conference.
Edmonton, eliminated from the playoffs weeks ago, finished its season with a 32-40-10 mark.
Sedin scored the decisive goal late in the second period. Sammy Pahlsson and David Booth also scored for the Canucks. Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo made 17 saves for his fifth shutout of the season as the Canucks outshot the Oilers 42-17.
Vancouver converted two of seven power plays while the Oilers were unsuccessful on three. The Canucks needed to get at least a point after St. Louis beat Dallas earlier Saturday, but the outcome remained in doubt until the last 27 minutes. (The Canadian Press/gb)
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