National Hockey

DENVER — Anze Kopitar was asked over and over about scoring four goals. All he wanted to do was talk about earning two points. That's the No. 1 figure on his mind. "I'm playing for the guys in here. Our goal is to make the playoffs," Kopitar said .

CHICAGO — The Vancouver Canucks have struggled to score since rookie Brock Boeser was shelved by a back injury. They got some help Thursday night from an unlikely source.

NASHVILLE — Auston Matthews didn't look rusty in his return from a monthlong layoff.

DENVER — Anze Kopitar became the first Kings player with a four-goal game since 1993, Jonathan Quick stopped 29 shots and Los Angeles beat the Colorado Avalanche 7-1 on Thursday night.

DETROIT — The Washington Capitals are in first place because of victories like this.

NEW YORK — Although the Tampa Bay Lightning didn't like the way they almost gave up a four-goal lead in the third period, they were happy to get the win and move on. J.T.

OTTAWA — In five games against the Ottawa Senators, Connor McDavid had yet to score a goal. But he more than made up for it with two goals and two assists in a 6-2 victory Thursday night.

PHILADELPHIA — Dave Hakstol is more worried about two points than a pretty performance right now. That said, the Philadelphia Flyers coach and his team have some work to do before the playoffs begin.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Short winning streaks are nothing to the Columbus Blue Jackets. They like getting victories in bunches.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Cam Ward allowed an early goal when the puck stuck in his skate. With Arizona trying to force overtime, the Carolina goalie used his glove to prevent another one.