Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Garret Sparks deflects a shot in front of Detroit Red Wings' Justin Abdelkader (8) during first period NHL hockey action in Toronto on Saturday April 2, 2016.Chris Young/The Canadian Press
The Detroit Red Wings need every point and win they can get as they fight to keep an astounding playoff streak alive.
Count two points and another much-needed victory for the club on Saturday evening in Toronto. Jimmy Howard loomed large with 32 saves as the Red Wings held on to beat the Maple Leafs 3-2 in the final meetings between the clubs this season.
The victory pushed the Wings (91 points) past the Boston Bruins for third spot in the Atlantic Division. Playoff participants in 24 straight seasons, Detroit is jostling with Boston (one game in hand), Philadelphia (two games in hand), and the New York Islanders (two games in hand) for a spot in the post-season, one club likely to miss out.
Brad Richards, Jonathan Ericsson, and Kyle Quincey scored for Detroit.
Colin Greening and William Nylander found the back of the net for Toronto and Garret Sparks added 23 saves for the Leafs, still tied with the Edmonton Oilers for last in the NHL with 67 points.
Winners on Friday night at home against Minnesota, the Red Wings raced out to a 2-0 first period lead.