National Hockey

VANCOUVER — Defenceman Derrick Pouliot snapped a 1-1 tie with his third goal of the season early in the final period as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 Thursday night for their third consecutive win.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Matt Dumba and the Minnesota Wild started a defining two-game stretch against the Dallas Stars with a determined performance. They're one step closer to a spot in the playoffs.

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators are having their best season yet — and are nowhere near satisfied.

OTTAWA — Jean-Gabriel Pageau has scored a number of highlight-reel goals for the Ottawa Senators, but Thursday's game winner will definitely hold a special place. Pageau scored on a penalty shot with 12.

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins appear to be quite ready for the playoffs. And the Tampa Bay Lightning are slumping at the wrong time of the season.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg isn't sure how many more milestones he has left as he prepares to complete his 15th season in Detroit. The 37-year-old is eager to find out.

OTTAWA — Erik Karlsson addressed the media for the first time Thursday night since the loss of his son, Axel, just over a week ago. On March 20th Karlsson and his wife, Melinda, shared the tragic news that their son had been stillborn.

NEWARK, N.J. — On the opening day of the baseball season, Sidney Crosby swung and connected for the Pittsburgh Penguins, preventing the New Jersey Devils from sweeping their four-game season series with the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings agreed to terms with coveted free-agent defenceman Daniel Brickley on Thursday. Los Angeles also signed forward Mikey Eyssimont to a two-year, entry-level deal.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have announced that senior vice president of communications Donald Beauchamp will be leaving the organization effective May 15. Beauchamp joined the Canadiens on Aug.