National Hockey

TORONTO — While his team has performed well early this season despite losing its top player from last year's championship team, Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged Wednesday wasn't an easy day.

Ron Francis spoke at a conference in downtown Toronto this week a few blocks from where NHL general managers were holding one of their annual meetings.

TORONTO — Here's a capsule look at new Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe's hockey career: AS A JUNIOR Keefe's junior days included a run to the Memorial Cup final with the Barrie Colts in 2000, a season when the native of Brampton, Ont.

NEW YORK — The New York Islanders insist they don’t think about how well they are playing. They are too busy preparing for their next opponent.

NEW YORK — Washington Capitals forward Garnet Hathaway has been suspended three games for spitting on an opponent. The NHL announced Hathaway’s suspension Wednesday after a hearing with him. He will forfeit $24,194 in salary.

Ottawa Senators forward Bobby Ryan will be away from the team indefinitely while taking part in the NHL/National Hockey League Players' Association assistance program. The NHL and NHLPA made the announcement Wednesday.

Ottawa Senators (9-11-1, seventh in the Atlantic Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (11-6-4, third in the Atlantic Division) Montreal; Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Washington Capitals (16-3-4, first in the Metropolitan Division) vs. New York Rangers (8-8-2, seventh in the Metropolitan Division) New York; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: John Carlson leads Washington into a matchup with New York.

LAS VEGAS — The only thing missing for Marc-Andre Fleury was a magic wand.

TAMPA, Fla. — Steven Stamkos celebrated another milestone in a stellar career with grace and humility.