National Hockey

VANCOUVER — Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet says Thatcher Demko has "improved immensely the last 72 hours" as the all-star goaltender works his way back from a lower-body injury.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The New York Rangers looked headed for an easy push through the second round of the NHL playoffs when they quickly moved within a win of a sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes.

It was untreated anxiety and depression that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard blamed for his alcohol abuse, a problem that reached the point where he needed to step away from hockey.

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Stars centre Roope Hintz is out for Game 5 of their Western Conference playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night because of an upper-body injury.

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northern British Columbia on May 31 at the school's convocation ceremony.

There's only one game in the NHL tonight, but it is a big one for the Big D as the Stars look to eliminate the visiting Colorado Avalanche.

New York Rangers (55-23-4, first in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (52-23-7, second in the Metropolitan Division) Raleigh, North Carolina; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Edmonton Oilers (49-27-6, second in the Pacific Division) vs. Vancouver Canucks (50-23-9, first in the Pacific Division) Vancouver, British Columbia; Thursday, 10 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Oilers -149, Canucks +124; over/under is 6.

EDMONTON — Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard wasn't sure he'd ever play an NHL playoff game. At 32 years of age and without a starting role, his chances were limited, but the netminder wasn't about to give up. “You’re always believing, you’re hoping.

SUNRISE, Fla.