• The Canadian Press

    William Nylander could play in Game 3; Auston Matthews skips Leafs' morning skate

    TORONTO — William Nylander appears to be closing in on a return to the Maple Leafs' lineup. The star winger's status for Game 3 of Toronto's first-round playoff matchup with the Boston Bruins — as it has been all series — is also up in the air. Nylander took part in line rushes alongside Calle Jarnkrok and Pontus Holmberg at Wednesday's morning skate after missing Games 1 and 2 with an undisclosed injury, but stayed out late on the ice at Scotiabank Arena with the team's projected scratches. "Th

  • The Canadian Press

    Five things to know about the NHL playoffs

    After teasing their excited fans with Game 1 victories, both the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets were playoff losers at home last night. The Colorado Avalanche rolled the Jets 5-2, while the Nashville Predators pounced on the Canucks 4-1. Canada's two other playoff teams, the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs, will try not to let their fans down tonight. The Oilers, fresh off a 7-4 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, will be aiming to go up 2-0 at Rogers Place, while the Leafs, who ear

  • The Canadian Press

    Hurricanes visit the Islanders with 2-0 series lead

    Carolina Hurricanes (52-23-7, second in the Metropolitan Division) vs. New York Islanders (39-27-16, third in the Metropolitan Division)Elmont, New York; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDTBETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Hurricanes -161, Islanders +134; over/under is 5.5NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Hurricanes lead series 2-0BOTTOM LINE: The Carolina Hurricanes visit the New York Islanders in the first round of the NHL Playoffs with a 2-0 lead in the series. The teams meet Monday for the seventh time this season. The H

  • The Canadian Press

    Panthers visit the Lightning with 2-0 series lead

    Florida Panthers (52-24-6, first in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (45-29-8, fourth in the Atlantic Division)Tampa, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDTBETMGM SPORTSBOOK: LINE Lightning +174, Panthers -129; over/under is 6NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Panthers lead series 2-0BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers visit the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the NHL Playoffs with a 2-0 lead in the series. The teams meet Tuesday for the sixth time this season. The Panthers won 3-2 in overti