NHL: Boston 5, Montreal 4 (OT)

BOSTON, April 9 (UPI) -- Mark Recchi's overtime goal Thursday gave the Boston Bruins a 5-4 win over Montreal, which sneaked into the NHL playoffs despite the loss.

Recchi's game-winner was his second goal of the contest.

Montreal got a point by getting into overtime, and that was enough to secure a playoff spot for the Canadiens.

Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron and Phil Kessel also scored for the Eastern Conference's top-seeded Bruins.

Boston goalie Tim Thomas picked up his 35th victory of the year with 35 saves.

Matt D'Agostini scored twice and Alex Kovalev and Mathieu Schneider each had a goal, while Carey Price blocked 28 shots for the Canadiens.