Hockey

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The goal horn went off at Bugsy's Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar as it does every time the Washington Capitals score a goal. Bar manager Armenia Marconi was working downstairs and scurried up to see who it was.

Paul Maurice has led hundreds of meetings across a long coaching career. The video rolls. There are points of emphasis. Players get their marching orders.

TORONTO — John Tavares put the puck in the net off a slick William Nylander feed. Mitch Marner then finished a nice setup from Auston Matthews before finding Matthew Knies with a breathtaking stretch pass that led to a breakaway goal.

Minnesota Wild (41-28-7, in the Central Division) vs. New York Islanders (32-32-10, in the Metropolitan Division) Elmont, New York; Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Colorado Avalanche (46-26-4, in the Central Division) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (34-30-9, in the Metropolitan Division) Columbus, Ohio; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Avalanche -159, Blue Jackets +133; over/under is 6.

Chicago Blackhawks (21-44-10, in the Central Division) vs. Washington Capitals (48-18-9, in the Metropolitan Division) Washington; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Blackhawks, on a four-game losing streak, play the Washington Capitals.

Carolina Hurricanes (46-24-4, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Detroit Red Wings (34-33-7, in the Atlantic Division) Detroit; Friday, 7 p.m.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks went into Wednesday night’s game against the Seattle Kraken knowing that they needed every point they could get to stay alive in the NHL’s Western Conference playoff race.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Alex Ovechkin took another step closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record by scoring his 892nd career goal in the Washington Capitals’ 5-1 loss at the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night.

VANCOUVER — Joey Daccord stopped all 25 shots he faced as the Seattle Kraken blanked Vancouver 5-0 on Wednesday to deal the Canucks' playoff hopes a blow.