Sports / hockey Thomas Solid As Bruins Edge Senators 2-1 Both teams clinch playoff berths in Eastern Conference By Mike Buss, Newser Staff Posted Apr 4, 2008 10:15 PM CDT Copied Ottawa Senators' Shean Donovan, center left, falls on Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas (33) as teammates Vladimir Sobatka, (60) and Shane Hnidy (34) look on in Ottawa, Friday April 4 , 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Fred Chartrand) Tim Thomas came within 8:14 of recording his third straight shutout against Ottawa and Zdeno Chara scored against his former team, leading the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 win over the Senators as both teams clinched playoff berths tonight. Phil Kessel also scored for Boston, which drew even with Ottawa for sixth overall in the Eastern Conference with 94 points. The Senators completed their regular season schedule, clinching a playoff spot midway through the third period when Florida beat Carolina 4-3. The result was announced to a sold-out Ottawa crowd during a stoppage in play with 1:35 remaining, drawing a huge cheer. It’s the Senators 11th straight playoff appearance. The Bruins close the regular season Saturday against Buffalo. (More hockey stories.) Report an error