National Hockey

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Predators stalwart Pekka Rinne briefly stopped to marvel when informed of the elite NHL goaltending company he joined in becoming a three-time 40-game winner — and after a shutout, no less.

MONTREAL — The Florida Panthers are inching closer to a playoff spot. Roberto Luongo's 28-save shutout lifted the Panthers to a 2-0 victory over the injury-riddled Montreal Canadiens on Monday night.

BOSTON — The Columbus Blue Jackets felt like they were lucky to get a victory in their late-season push for one of the Eastern Conference's playoff spots.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Much like the varying opinions that bubble to the surface after controversial goalie interference rulings, there's a divide among NHL general managers about how to move forward on the contentious issue.

OTTAWA — Disgruntled Ottawa Senators fans want team owner Eugene Melnyk to know exactly how they feel, and their message is hard to miss.

Larry Kwong, the first player of Asian heritage to appear in an NHL game, has died at age 94.

WINNIPEG — There was an unexpected twist to the Winnipeg Jets' injury update after Monday's practice. Coach Paul Maurice said defenceman Dmitry Kulikov decided not to have back surgery planned for Monday after meeting with surgeons.

PITTSBURGH — Penguins goaltender Matt Murray looks ready to return from a concussion that's kept him out for the past three weeks.

WINNIPEG — Patrik Laine wants to hoist the Stanley Cup, but drinking champagne out of the hallowed trophy is another matter. The Winnipeg Jets star sniper doesn't drink alcohol. Never has.

NEW YORK — St. Louis Blues defenceman Alex Pietrangelo, Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon and Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Curtis McElhinney have been named the NHL's three stars for the week ending Sunday.