National Hockey

VANCOUVER — Vancouver Canucks defenceman Erik Brannstrom offered forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki some advice as the two walked to the rink for the Swedish rookie’s first NHL game Tuesday night. “I just told him to have fun,” said Brannstrom.

TORONTO — Craig Berube felt pretty good about his team heading into Tuesday. Those emotions quickly melted away for the Maple Leafs head coach.

New Jersey Devils (11-6-2, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Florida Panthers (11-4-1, in the Atlantic Division) Sunrise, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Boston Bruins (8-7-2, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Dallas Stars (9-5, in the Central Division) Dallas; Thursday, 8 p.m.

Montreal Canadiens (5-9-2, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Minnesota Wild (10-2-3, in the Central Division) Saint Paul, Minnesota; Thursday, 8 p.m.

Toronto Maple Leafs (9-6-2, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Washington Capitals (10-4, in the Metropolitan Division) Washington; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Capitals -127, Maple Leafs +107; over/under is 6.

Philadelphia Flyers (6-8-2, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Ottawa Senators (8-7, in the Atlantic Division) Ottawa, Ontario; Thursday, 7 p.m.

San Jose Sharks (5-9-3, in the Pacific Division) vs. New York Rangers (9-4-1, in the Metropolitan Division) New York; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks meet in an out-of-conference matchup.

St. Louis Blues (7-9, in the Central Division) vs. Buffalo Sabres (7-8-1, in the Atlantic Division) Buffalo, New York; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Blues, on a three-game losing streak, take on the Buffalo Sabres.

Chicago Blackhawks (6-9-1, in the Central Division) vs. Seattle Kraken (7-8-1, in the Pacific Division) Seattle; Thursday, 10 p.m.