NHL: Vancouver 5, Nashville 2

NASHVILLE, April 16 (UPI) -- Ryan Kesler scored twice for Vancouver Monday and the Canucks eliminated Nashville from playoff contention with a 5-2 defeat of the Predators.

Jason Garrison netted the eventual game-winner while Alexandre Burrows and Derek Roy each found the net as Northwest Division-leading Vancouver notched a fifth win in six games.

Roberto Luongo earned the victory, stopping 36-of-38 shots.

Bobby Butler and Nick Spaling scored for Nashville, whose post-season hopes were officially extinguished with their seventh straight loss.

Pekka Rinne made 19 saves for the Preds.