COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 11 (UPI) -- Mathieu Garon made 28 saves Thursday in leading Columbus to a 2-1 decision over Atlanta.
As a byproduct of the Columbus win, the Washington Capitals became the first team in the NHL to clinch a playoff berth. Washington wrapped up the Southeast Division for the third straight season, owning a 33-point lead over second-place Atlanta.
R.J. Umberger scored on the power play in the first period and Kristian Huslius added a goal in the second to bring Columbus its second straight victory. Umberger reached 20 goals in a season for the third time in his five-year NHL career.
Garon had his shutout bid spoiled by Johnny Oduya with 2:21 to go in the third.
Atlanta defenseman Chris Chelios was called up from Atlanta's American Hockey League franchise in Chicago and made his season debut. At age 48, Chelios has played in the NHL for 26 straight seasons.
