NHL

AP Sports WriterLucky 13: Penguins survive rocky path to playoff spotBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Erik Gudbranson didn't want to be ''that guy,'' the one who whooped it up after the Pittsburgh Penguins locked down a playoff spot for the 13th straight year with a win over the Detroit...

AP Hockey WriterPassing Fancy: How Lightning's Nikita Kucherov became a starBy STEPHEN WHYNOThe lesson Nikita Kucherov learned from childhood coach Gennady Kurdin is on display every time he laces up his skates and steps on to the ice.Kurdin taught Kucherov the very common Russian hockey philosophy that the sport...

Burns lifts Sharks past Oilers 3-2 for 2nd win in 11 gamesEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) The San Jose Sharks don't feel they are in playoff form yet, though their latest effort was a step in the right direction.Brent Burns had a goal and an assist as the Sharks got...

AP Sports WriterJohnson scores in OT, Avs beat Jets 3-2 to earn playoff spotBy PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) The Colorado Avalanche started the celebration on the bench as the clock ran out in regulation. It secured the point they needed to earn a postseason spot.The party that spilled onto...

Associated PressStepan scores twice, Coyotes dump Vegas, 4-1By W.G. RAMIREZLAS VEGAS (AP) Derek Stepan scored twice, Darcy Kuemper made 35 saves and the Arizona Coyotes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 on Thursday night.Arizona entered the day needing a win to stay in playoff contention, but was officially...

Stamkos leads Lightning over Maple Leafs 3-1TORONTO (AP) The Tampa Bay Lightning are closing in on another record in their sensational season.Steven Stamkos had a goal and an assist, Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 29 shots, and the Lightning beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 Thursday night to become the...

Associated PressNelson leads Islanders over Panthers, 2-1 in shootoutBy PAUL GEREFFISUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Brock Nelson made sure the playoff-bound New York Islanders still control their destiny in the final game of the season.Nelson scored in the second period and then got the winner in the fourth round of...

AP Hockey WriterEmotional Pominville seals Sabres' 5-2 win over SenatorsBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Sabres forward Jason Pominville began the day unable to contain his emotions by choking up when coming to the realization he might be playing his final home game in Buffalo.The 36-year-old ended the day...

Associated PressCapitals win Metropolitan Division, beat Canadiens 2-1By IAN QUILLENWASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Capitals won their division again. Perhaps more importantly, they clinched it with playoff-style hockey.Nic Dowd put Washington ahead for good early in the second period, Braden Holtby made 33 stops and the Capitals secured their...

AP Sports WriterCanes beat Devils 3-1, clinch 1st playoff berth since '09By JOEDY McCREARYRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) No current Carolina Hurricanes player has skated in more games than Justin Faulk - 558 in all, and not a single one in the playoffs.That changes next week.The Hurricanes clinched their first...

Associated PressToews, Kane lead Blackhawks past Blues in shootoutBy MATT CARLSONCHICAGO (AP) Despite staging a late comeback against the Chicago Blackhawks, the St. Louis Blues are still a point shy as they tried to climb into a tie for first place in the Central Division.Jonathan Toews scored the...

Malkin closer to return as Penguins vie for playoffsPITTSBURGH (AP) Evgeni Malkin might be ready to get back to work. The Pittsburgh Penguins certainly need him.The veteran center practiced with his teammates on Wednesday and could be back in the lineup on Thursday night against Detroit. Malkin has...