National Hockey

Ottawa Senators defenceman Mark Borowiecki is looking at the bright side.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — As much as he enjoyed his season with the Sabres, forward Jeff Skinner isn't going to rush into deciding whether to re-sign with Buffalo or pursue free agency following a career-best 40-goal year. "No, I haven't made any decisions.

EDMONTON — The fact the Edmonton Oilers have missed the playoffs in 12 of the last 13 seasons isn't all CEO Bob Nicholson's fault, but it certainly is his problem as he begins an overhaul of the team's hockey operations department this off-season.

Dead last in the NHL in early January, the St. Louis Blues looked like underachievers who cost their head coach his job and wouldn't remain together for long.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Dale Tallon and Joel Quenneville are together again, and the Florida Panthers are ready for them to recreate their magic.

NEW YORK — St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko, Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne and Dallas Stars winger Alexander Radulov are the NHL's three stars for the week.

LAS VEGAS — The Vegas Golden Knights struggled when they opened the season and wound up in last place in the Western Conference at one point, a humbling stumble for a team that was just a few months removed from a charmed run to the Stanley Cup Final

From rivalries to repeats, there'll be a lot on the line when the NHL playoffs begin on Wednesday.

Mike Smith and David Rittich helped the Calgary Flames finish first in the Western Conference. Yet there are still questions about how far those goalies can carry their team in the playoffs.

Henrik Lundqvist liked how he started the season. The 37-year-old New York Rangers goalie wasn't so pleased with how he played toward the end. He was 15-12-7 with a 3.