National Hockey

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Shane Pinto had a goal and three assists, and the Ottawa Senators enjoyed a five-goal first-period surge in cruising to a 6-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Shane Pinto had a goal and three assists, and Ottawa enjoyed a five-goal first-period surge in cruising to a 6-2 victory over Buffalo on Wednesday night.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Capitals defenseman Ethan Bear has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Bear will be away from the team indefinitely while he receives care.

TORONTO — Washington Capitals defenceman Ethan Bear is entering the NHL and NHL Players’ Association's joint assistance program and will be unavailable to the club for an indefinite period.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks have placed all-star goalie Thatcher Demko on the long-term injured reserve list retroactively. "It's just cap related," coach Rick Tocchet said after practice Wednesday. "We get some cap relief, that's all it is.

The family of Bob Murdoch says the two-time Stanley Cup champion suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a progressive and fatal disease associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries.

Travis Green had plenty of time to reflect. Fired as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks in December 2021 with the team in a tailspin, he stepped away from hockey awaiting his next chance. "I unplugged for a while," Green said this week.

Chants of “Let's Go, Red Wings!” filled the arena in downtown Washington before the home fans drowned them out. A Tuesday night in March felt like a Game 7 in May because of what was at stake.

Dallas Stars (45-19-9, first in the Central Division) vs. Vancouver Canucks (45-19-8, first in the Pacific Division) Vancouver, British Columbia; Thursday, 10 p.m.

Philadelphia Flyers (36-27-10, third in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (27-32-12, seventh in the Atlantic Division) Montreal, Quebec; Thursday, 7 p.m.