National Hockey

Progress, yes, but an inability to defend a lead against a playoff-savvy team ousted the Edmonton Oilers early from Stanley Cup contention.

The Colorado Avalanche have one of the NHL's most dynamic offences , led by Hart Trophy finalist Nathan MacKinnon. The Arizona Coyotes play it much closer to the vest, relying on superb goaltending and counterattacking when they have the opportunity.

PITTSBURGH — Jim Rutherford is not ready to blow up the core that's led the Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cups in a little more than a decade.

TORONTO — The Montreal Canadiens were significant underdogs against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Montreal Canadiens (31-31-9, fifth in the Atlantic Division during the regular season) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (41-21-7, second in the Metropolitan Division during the regular season) Toronto; Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Arizona Coyotes (33-29-8, fifth in the Pacific Division during the regular season) vs. Colorado Avalanche (42-20-8, second in the Central Division during the regular season) Edmonton, Alberta; Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

Vancouver Canucks (36-27-6, third in the Pacific Division during the regular season) vs. St. Louis Blues (42-19-10, first in the Central Division during the regular season) Edmonton, Alberta; Wednesday, 10:30 p.m.

New York Islanders (35-23-10, fifth in the Metropolitan Division during the regular season) vs. Washington Capitals (41-20-8, first in the Metropolitan Division during the regular season) Toronto; Wednesday, 3 p.m.

Anson Carter filled his time in pandemic isolation walking 11 miles a day, sometimes with his dogs, around his Atlanta neighbourhood .

TORONTO — Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper took exception to the Columbus Blue Jackets being referred to as “a blue-collar” team.