National Hockey

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Rasmus Dahlin was determined in ensuring the Buffalo Sabres would stay in playoff contention for another two days at least. The 2018 No.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Luke Hughes — the younger brother of star center Jack Hughes — to a three-year, entry-level contract starting this season.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Wild star left wing Kirill Kaprizov has been cleared to return from a lower-body injury, just as top center Joel Eriksson Ek has been sidelined by a lower-body injury.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Matias Maccelli charges across the blue line and stops so abruptly near the right circle that the defender skates right past.

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche gathered in the cramped locker room and waited — with water bottles at the ready — for the player of the moment to enter.

Sports leagues and teams often use Pride nights to raise the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people — as well as sell them tickets — and the NHL has been a leader.

New York Rangers (46-21-12, third in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (24-46-8, eighth in the Metropolitan Division) Columbus, Ohio; Saturday, 7 p.m.

Chicago Blackhawks (25-46-6, eighth in the Central Division) vs. Seattle Kraken (43-26-8, fourth in the Pacific Division) Seattle; Saturday, 10 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Seattle Kraken and the Chicago Blackhawks face off in Western Conference action.

Colorado Avalanche (46-24-6, first in the Central Division) vs. Los Angeles Kings (45-23-10, third in the Pacific Division) Los Angeles; Saturday, 10:30 p.m.

Calgary Flames (37-27-15, fifth in the Pacific Division) vs. Vancouver Canucks (34-36-7, sixth in the Pacific Division) Vancouver, British Columbia; Saturday, 10 p.m.