DUCKS SEND KINGS INTO THE POSTSEASON.

Byline: Associated Press

The Kings clinched a playoff berth without even playing a game Wednesday.

That's because the Steve Rucchin scored midway through the third period as the Mighty Ducks defeated Edmonton 4-2 at the Pond. The loss by the Oilers ensured a postseason entry by the Kings, currently fifth in the Western Conference; the top eight teams are playoff-bound.

Rucchin skated around the net, fought off a check by former Duck Bobby Dollas and put a shot from the edge of the right circle past Edmonton goaltender Curtis Joseph at 11:01 of the third period for his 17th goal.

Roman Hamrlik's apparent game-tying goal with 40.6 seconds left was nullified when referee Stephen Walkom ruled Ryan Smyth was in the crease. Teemu Selanne sealed the victory with a shorthanded empty-net goal with 6.6 seconds left. The goal was Selanne's league-leading 52nd, breaking his own franchise record set last season.

Dallas 2, Washington 1: Jamie Langenbrunner's goal with 1:32 left in overtime lifted the Stars in Dallas, ending the Capitals' unbeaten streak at five games.

The Capitals had tied it with 5:54 left in regulation on Andrei Nikolishin's fourth goal. But Langenbrunner scored the game-winner on a wrist shot from the slot.

N.Y. Islanders 3, New Jersey 2: Robert Reichel's power-play goal with 23.2 seconds left in regulation led the Islanders in Uniondale, N.Y.

Philadelphia 6, Tampa Bay 1: John LeClair scored two goals, including a controversial game-winner with 12:11 left, as the Flyers scored five straight third-period goals in Florida to beat the Lightning.

Buffalo 3, Carolina 1: Jason Woolley and Geoff Sanderson each scored goals and Dominik Hasek stopped 15 shots as the Sabres defeated the Hurricanes at home slowing their playoff drive.