National Hockey

PHILADELPHIA — The Washington Capitals put No. 1 defenceman Matt Niskanen on long-term injured reserve with an upper-body injury. The team says Niskanen is week-to-week.

LAS VEGAS — Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill put a lot of weight in this four-game road trip. A season after missing the playoffs for the first time in 25 years, Detroit was hoping a strong start could help chase away some of that disappointment.

NEWARK, N.J. — Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and three assists and the Washington Capitals knocked the surprising New Jersey Devils from the unbeaten ranks with a 5-2 victory Friday night. T.J.

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche went all of last season without a winning streak of at least three games. It took them just five games get there this time around.

CALGARY — Ottawa's power play finally awoke from its slumber. The Senators man advantage produced two goals on seven chances Friday night and Ottawa used 25 saves from Craig Anderson to shut out the Calgary Flames 6-0.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — With his first goal as a Blue Jacket, Artemi Panarin showed exactly why Columbus traded for the elite forward over the summer.

NEWARK, N.J. — The Washington Capitals have been the best regular-season team in the Eastern Conference the past two years, and they showed the surprising New Jersey Devils why.

A person with direct knowledge of the situation says defenceman Mark Streit will not report to the minors after clearing waivers and will spend the next few days weighing his options.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle will be sidelined six to eight weeks after breaking his right leg Thursday night at Chicago. Forwards Nino Niederreiter and Marcus Foligno also were injured in the 5-2 victory.

BROSSARD, Que. — The Montreal Canadiens know all too well that the Toronto Maple Leafs are no longer to be taken lightly.