National Hockey

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.

Brad Larsen has been fired as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets after two seasons without a playoff appearance, a move general manager Jarmo Kekalainen called “absolutely a necessary change that we needed to make.

After winning an NHL-record 65 games and steamrolling opponents since October, the Boston Bruins look like the clear favorite to come out of the East and win the Stanley Cup. The reality? “Everyone’s 0-0,” veteran forward Charlie Coyle said.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — In Buffalo, where futility has been the norm since the Sabres last reached the playoffs in 2011, success is being measured on a sliding scale with the team facing yet another lengthy summer break.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon had three goals and an assist, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 on Friday night to win the Central Division title.

After six weeks of hopeful excitement that his New Jersey Devils would face the New York Rangers in the opening round of the playoffs, Erik Haula had a simple, sarcastic take: “Here we are.” And the playoffs are finally here, too. Devils vs.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jeff Skinner had a goal and two assists, lifting the Buffalo Sabres to a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night in the season finale for both teams.

CHICAGO (AP) — At one point, Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson downplayed the importance of the NHL draft lottery on his team's offseason plans. Moments later, Davidson allowed himself a wide grin as he pondered the possibilities.

Peter Laviolette won't be back as coach of the Washington Capitals, who now have a big decision to make after missing the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins asked Ron Hextall and Brian Burke to thread an impossibly thin needle when they were hired in February 2021.