National Hockey

BRAMPTON, Ontario (AP) — Aware of the likelihood of once again facing Canada in the gold medal game of the women’s world hockey championships, United States captain Hilary Knight was quick to take the pressure off her team by suggesting the Americans

The Colorado Avalanche are peaking at the right time, giving the defending Stanley Cup champions a shot to repeat. “Once you taste it once, it’s something you want again,” Avs defenseman Bowen Byram said.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Until now, Jack Eichel has only watched the NHL playoffs, which has given him some idea of the intensity that comes once the 16-team tournament begins.

Vancouver Canucks winger Tanner Pearson says he's still working his way back to health nearly six months after breaking his hand in a game. “I’m just trying to get my hand back," he told reporters at a season-ending press conference Saturday.

VANCOUVER — Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes were two very good players on a not-very-good Vancouver Canucks team this NHL season.

TORONTO — Ilya Samsonov declared recently he doesn't break.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — When the New Jersey Devils signed Ondrej Palat to a five-year, $30 million contract in the offseason, it was with the hope they would be right where they are now — in the NHL playoffs for the first time in five seasons.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) — The kitchen inside the home of Florida general manager Bill Zito has some nice amenities, such as a warming drawer and a built-in griddle. He hasn’t used either. The reason: He doesn’t do something just because he can.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rarely does a team go into the Stanley Cup playoffs with a pair of goaltenders who weren't on the opening night roster.

NEW YORK — Dallas forward Jason Robertson, Carolina defenceman Brent Burns and Vegas goaltender Laurent Brossoit have been named the NHL's three stars of the week to end the regular season.