National Hockey

OTTAWA — The Colorado Avalanche wasted no time asserting their dominance Thursday night, scoring four first-period goals en route to a commanding 5-1 victory over the playoff-hungry Ottawa Senators.

NEW YORK (AP) — John Tavares scored twice and an added an assist, and Anthony Stolarz made 27 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Rangers 4-3 on Thursday night.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Philip Broberg scored 3:42 into overtime and the St. Louis Blues beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 on Thursday night for their fourth straight victory.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Philip Broberg scored 3:42 into overtime and the St. Louis Blues beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 on Thursday night for their fourth straight victory.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin is one step closer to NHL history after the “Great 8” reached a fitting number in his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's career goals record.

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has 888 goals and needs six to tie and seven to break the record.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored his 888th career goal to continue his pursuit of the NHL record, and the Washington Capitals clinched a playoff berth by beating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Thursday night and getting some help from around th

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Jonathan Huberdeau scored with 3:20 left to play to lift the Calgary Flames to a come-from-behind 5-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Jonathan Huberdeau scored with 3:20 left to play to lift the Calgary Flames to a come-from-behind 5-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — John Tavares scored twice and an added an assist, and Anthony Stolarz made 27 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Rangers 4-3 on Thursday night.