National Hockey

STATELINE, Nev. — Some players snapped pictures of Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains as they came out for their first look at the picturesque outdoor rink that will host a pair of NHL games this weekend.

The trouble with the Buffalo Sabres’ sudden inability to score has more to do with players’ heads than hands, as far as coach Ralph Krueger is concerned.

PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby's relentlessness remains intact 15 years in. Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan sees it every day. Every drill in practice, no matter how routine. Every shift during a game, no matter what the score.

Brendan Gallagher said earlier this month he "really couldn't care less" what the Maple Leafs are doing. And that could very well be true.

New York Rangers (5-7-3, seventh in the East Division) vs. Washington Capitals (8-4-3, third in the East Division) Washington; Saturday, 12:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Nicklas Backstrom leads Washington into a matchup with New York.

San Jose Sharks (6-7-2, eighth in the West Division) vs. St. Louis Blues (10-5-2, first in the West Division) St. Louis; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: St. Louis hosts the San Jose Sharks after the Blues defeated San Jose 3-2 in overtime.

Buffalo Sabres (4-7-2, eighth in the East Division) vs. New Jersey Devils (6-3-2, sixth in the East Division) Newark, New Jersey; Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Vegas Golden Knights (10-3-1, second in the West Division) vs. Colorado Avalanche (8-4-1, third in the West Division) Stateline; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Colorado hosts Vegas trying to continue its four-game home winning streak.

New York Islanders (8-5-3, fourth in the East Division) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (8-6-1, fifth in the East Division) Pittsburgh; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: New York heads to Pittsburgh in a matchup of East Division teams.

Nashville Predators (6-10-0, seventh in the Central Division) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (8-6-4, fifth in the Central Division) Columbus, Ohio; Saturday, 7 p.m.