The clock finally struck midnight for Andrew Hammond.
The New York Rangers scored five times on the Ottawa Senators' red-hot goaltender in just two periods of play en route to a 5-1 rout that gave Hammond his first regulation loss in the rookie's 16th career NHL start.
Chris Kreider led the Rangers' barrage with two goals and an assist. Mats Zuccarello and Dan Boyle each scored once and assisted on another, while Derek Stepan and Kevin Hayes notched a pair of helpers for New York.
Thursday's result, combined with Boston's overtime loss to Anaheim, also clinched a playoff berth for the Metropolitan Division-leading Rangers.
Ottawa had vaulted itself into postseason contention as well due to the surprisingly stellar play of Hammond, who entered Thursday's showdown having gone a sensational 14-0-1 with a 1.58 GAA in 15 outings filling in for the injured duo of Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner.
He was burned for five goals on 22 shots, however, before being removed in favor of Chris Driedger late in the second period.
NHL Scoreboard
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Carolina 5, Pittsburgh 2
Washington 3, New Jersey 2 (OT)
Los Angeles 3, NY Islanders 2
Arizona 4, Buffalo 3 (OT)
Anaheim 3, Boston 2 (OT)
Nashville 3, Tampa Bay 2
San Jose 6, Detroit 4
Florida 4, Toronto 1
Winnipeg 5, Montreal 2
Colorado 4, Vancouver 1
