National Hockey

MONTREAL (AP) — Matt Tomkins waited a long time to earn his first NHL win. But he might not change a thing about the way it happened.

Connor McDavid's start to the season has been downright miserable. Sure, the points have been there — if you're a mere mortal NHL player — with two goals and eight assists in nine games.

Dallas Stars (7-3-1, second in the Central Division) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (4-5-3, sixth in the Metropolitan Division) Columbus, Ohio; Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Montreal Canadiens (5-5-2, seventh in the Atlantic Division) vs. Detroit Red Wings (7-5-1, third in the Atlantic Division) Detroit; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Arizona Coyotes (6-5-1, fourth in the Central Division) vs. St. Louis Blues (5-5-1, sixth in the Central Division) St. Louis; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Arizona Coyotes visit the St.

Minnesota Wild (5-5-2, fifth in the Central Division) vs. New York Rangers (9-2-1, first in the Metropolitan Division) New York; Thursday, 7 p.m.

New York Islanders (5-3-3, fourth in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Boston Bruins (10-1-1, first in the Atlantic Division) Boston; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins play the New York Islanders.

Chicago Blackhawks (4-7, eighth in the Central Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (6-3-4, second in the Atlantic Division) Tampa, Florida; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Edmonton Oilers (2-8-1, seventh in the Pacific Division) vs. San Jose Sharks (1-10-1, eighth in the Pacific Division) San Jose, California; Thursday, 10:30 p.m.

Seattle Kraken (4-6-3, fifth in the Pacific Division) vs. Colorado Avalanche (8-3, first in the Central Division) Denver; Thursday, 9 p.m.