Hockey

Stuck on 399 career goals for nearly a month, Dallas captain Jamie Benn sat out against the Nashville Predators on Thursday night, with coach Pete DeBoer saying it was for “maintenance.” The 35-year-old Benn had played 371 consecutive games.

The Stanley Cup playoffs are coming up fast, with the first series set to begin Saturday, April 19.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Islanders on Thursday approved forward Anthony Duclair’s request to spend time away from the team and reflect in the wake of being publicly criticized for playing “god-awful” by coach Patrick Roy.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The goal horn went off at Bugsy's Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar as it does every time the Washington Capitals score a goal. Bar manager Armenia Marconi was working downstairs and scurried up to see who it was.

Paul Maurice has led hundreds of meetings across a long coaching career. The video rolls. There are points of emphasis. Players get their marching orders.

TORONTO — John Tavares put the puck in the net off a slick William Nylander feed. Mitch Marner then finished a nice setup from Auston Matthews before finding Matthew Knies with a breathtaking stretch pass that led to a breakaway goal.

Minnesota Wild (41-28-7, in the Central Division) vs. New York Islanders (32-32-10, in the Metropolitan Division) Elmont, New York; Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Colorado Avalanche (46-26-4, in the Central Division) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (34-30-9, in the Metropolitan Division) Columbus, Ohio; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Avalanche -159, Blue Jackets +133; over/under is 6.

Chicago Blackhawks (21-44-10, in the Central Division) vs. Washington Capitals (48-18-9, in the Metropolitan Division) Washington; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Blackhawks, on a four-game losing streak, play the Washington Capitals.

Carolina Hurricanes (46-24-4, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Detroit Red Wings (34-33-7, in the Atlantic Division) Detroit; Friday, 7 p.m.