News Category: NHL

Quick-strike Rangers aim to go up 2-0 on Capitals

Sunday, the New York Rangers struck first with a three-goal, second-period barrage in a little more than two minutes to take control and open the playoffs impressively while ignoring most attempts by the Washington Capitals to physically engage them. The Rangers did just about everything right in Game 1 and will attempt to duplicate the effort Tuesday night when they host the Capitals in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. New York seeks

Stars get another crack at Golden Knights in postseason

The Vegas Golden Knights begin their defense of their Stanley Cup title on Monday night when they face the host Dallas Stars in Game 1 of a Western Conference first-round playoff series. Vegas and Dallas met in the Western Conference final last season, with the Golden Knights taking the series in six games. They then went on to defeat the Florida Panthers in five games to win their first Stanley Cup. Vegas enters the postseason

Bruins keep perspective on series-opening win over Maple Leafs

While the Boston Bruins opened their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with a convincing 5-1 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs, coach Jim Montgomery knows that his club can show even more in Game 2 on Monday. Jake DeBrusk scored two power-play goals in a 2:32 span after an earlier assist in the second period, leading the Bruins to their eighth consecutive win over Toronto between the regular season and playoffs combined. The Bruins

Playoff hockey back in Vancouver as Canucks, Predators collide

The wait is finally over for the Vancouver Canucks and their fans. When the Canucks face the visiting Nashville Predators on Sunday for Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series, it will be the first time Vancouver has hosted a postseason game since 2015. The Pacific Division champion Canucks did make the playoffs in 2020, but they had to play bubbled up in Edmonton because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “A bunch of us

Hope renewed as Avalanche prepare to take on Jets in Game 1

The Colorado Avalanche hope to take advantage of a clean slate when they visit the Winnipeg Jets for Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series Sunday evening. Winnipeg swept the season series against the Avalanche, most recently winning 7-0 on April 13. That victory was part of an eight-game winning streak to close out the regular season for the Jets and lock them into second place in the Central Division. “It’s the first to

Rangers try to meet high expectations, open series with Capitals

The New York Rangers seized control of the Metropolitan Division in the opening weeks of the regular season and eventually emerged from a crowded field to claim the Presidents’ Trophy. The reward for the most successful regular season in team history raised expectations for the Rangers, who will begin their quest for a Stanley Cup on Sunday when they host the Washington Capitals in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. New York

Panthers set for stern test in series opener vs. Lightning

In theory, winning the NHL’s Atlantic Division should have given the Florida Panthers an “easier” first-round playoff opponent. But, if history is any judge, that hardly is the case. The Panthers will open an Eastern Conference first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday afternoon in Sunrise, Fla. “I think we’re one of the best teams in the league, and we’ve shown it all season,” Florida forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “But we’re not getting

Little on line as Avs, Oilers close regular season

The final day of the NHL regular season won’t mean anything for first-round matchups, but it could have an impact on what happens later in the playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche host the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night as both teams get ready for the postseason. Colorado (49-25-7, 105 points), which is stumbling down the stretch, is locked into third place in the Central Division and will start the playoffs at Winnipeg. Edmonton (49-26-6, 104 points),

Plenty at stake for Golden Knights in season finale vs. Ducks

The defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights go into their final regular-season game against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night in Las Vegas with a playoff spot secured but still plenty to play for. Vegas (45-28-8, 98 points) enters the contest with a one-point lead over the Los Angeles Kings (43-27-11, 97 points) for third place in the Pacific Division. A win over the Ducks and the Golden Knights can pack their bags for

Flames, Sharks meet to end unsuccessful campaigns

Mercifully, the season is coming to an end for both the host Calgary Flames and the San Jose Sharks when they meet on Thursday. Both squads fell well short of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs — it’s the second consecutive year without a postseason for Calgary and the fifth straight for the Sharks. “It’s on us as players to remember this feeling. … You’ve got to be better, you’ve got to learn, you’ve got to