National Hockey

NASHVILLE — Goaltender Pekka Rinne wound up in a most unfamiliar spot in two of the most important games of his life. On the bench having been chased not once, but twice. In the Stanley Cup Final.

Mitch Marner had just turned 16 when the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins tangled in Game 7 of their 2013 first-round playoff series.

PITTSBURGH — There's a bit of masochist in Patric Hornqvist. Has to be.

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins and the Boston Bruins Foundation have announced two fundraising initiatives to help support those affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.

WINNIPEG — Connor Hellebuyck is going to try to make sure his golfing buddy Devan Dubnyk hits the links before he does this spring.

TORONTO — The first round of the NHL playoffs has the potential for upsets and opportunities for players to make a name for themselves by stealing a game in net or scoring the winner in double-overtime.

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — After missing the playoffs for the second straight year, and eighth time in the last 11, the New York Islanders head into the off-season with much work to be done.

CALGARY — Adding veterans Mike Smith and Travis Hamonic to a young Flames team coming off a playoff appearance the season prior was supposed to set Calgary up for greater success in 2017-18. That didn't happen.

The Predators have the Presidents' Trophy, and the NHL-expansion Golden Knights carry the buzz entering the Western Conference playoffs, which have the potential of resembling nothing from the past.

PITTSBURGH — Matt Murray doesn't keep track of the numbers, which makes it easier for the Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender to not get caught up in them. His goals-against average? No clue. Save percentage? Nope.